Remember how Bastian got his injury? Fighting for a 50-50 ball, late in the game to stop the counterattack. His leg bended so awkwardly, it looked like a guaranteed career ending injury. But instead of being carried off on a stretcher, he stayed on the pitch because you had no subs. He could barely walk.
I can get behind demoting superstars who are completely past it, or have already won everything there is to win and don't have that winning drive anymore. But that's not Bastian, that guy always gives his 110%. He even ended his NT participation to focus on United career, for god's sake.
What other option is there though? He is no longer part of the first-team. No sense having him continue training with them doing the specific tatical drills Jose has them doing and sitting through strategy sessions.

