Bastian Schweinsteiger greeted by huge roar from Manchester United fans after scoring... but it is hard to see the German midfielder threatening Michael Carrick's place anytime soon

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The admirers will chart this return as an overwhelming success for Bastian Schweinsteiger, proof that he deserves a place in Jose Mourinho’s plans.

His clever, late flick - Manchester United’s fourth against Wigan - was greeted with Old Trafford’s loudest roar of the afternoon.

His cross late in the first half was the catalyst for Marouane Fellaini’s opener and the pass completion statistics will be high during a first start for 385 days.

Bastian Schweinsteiger scored Manchester United's fourth in the club's 4-0 win over Wigan

A job well done for the 32-year-old on the surface, certainly. United’s fans afforded him a huge reaction after the goal, Mourinho wore a smile.

In reality, though, we did not learn too much as to whether Schweinsteiger can have any impact here.

This was a day of easy five-yard balls. He effectively did what he had to, although the sight of him often taking three touches when one would suffice suggests a pacey fixture may have passed Schweinsteiger by.

Backing off, Wigan Athletic allowed their hosts to enjoy possession in midfield. A World Cup winner with the range of passing Schweinsteiger boasted earlier in his career should have run this game. He did not and it is for those sorts of reasons that he has no long-term future here.

Schweinsteiger received a huge roar from the Old Trafford faithful after scoring his goal

The German midfielder produced a clever, late flick to wrap up proceedings on Sunday

Bastian Schweinsteiger Tweeted his thanks to the Manchester United fans 

But there were bright moments which will be trumpeted. Some neat passes and the occasional foray to break midfield lines. And the instinctive finish.

He owned an extra spring after the break, buoyed by his influence for the first goal. Given 10 yards of space wide on Wigan’s left, the German’s cross for Fellaini was tricky for the visitors to deal with, but Jakob Haugaard may wonder whether he had the time to leave his line and punch clear.

Before then, Schweinsteiger looked rusty, hiding when United needed their anchorman to impress himself on the game.

He eventually grew into this FA Cup fourth round tie as inferior opposition wilted under the Old Trafford lights.

United manager Jose Mourinho wore a smile after Schweinsteiger scored in a rare appearance

‘Basti may be a surprise for some as we made that decision not to have him in the squad for a couple of months,’ Mourinho said.

‘Since the moment he's been back with the team, he's fighting also for his chances with so many matches as we have now.

‘The squad is shorter and we need him. Today is an opportunity for him to play and show that he is ready - even for the Premier League.’

Mourinho also confirmed that the German would be staying at Old Trafford until the end of the season and would also be included in the Europa League squad following the departures of Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin.

So, an audition of sorts. It remains hard to imagine Mourinho placing his trust in him beyond this, too immobile for Premier League fixtures. United would’ve been picked off by better opponents.

Schweinsteiger set up Marouane Fellaini for the opening goal of the fourth round FA Cup tie

Before the opening goal, Schweinsteiger and Fellaini slowed United down at Old Trafford

Schweinsteiger had been caught dawdling on at least three dangerous occasions and wasted ball when United broke.

He and Fellaini slowed United down, agitating the home crowd before the pair combined for the opener. There was a nervousness to Schweinsteiger’s passing, many under-hit and without the crisp purchase for which he was once so renowned for.

Those days are long gone now. Perhaps this is a chink of light for him but do not expect Schweinsteiger to be threatening Michael Carrick anytime soon.