Goal Meant A Lot To Bastian

Bastian Schweinsteiger said it meant a lot for him to celebrate a Manchester United goal but accepts the winner against Watford was not his to claim.

The Germany international’s effort was turned into his own net by Watford skipper Troy Deeney in the 90th minute to give United a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

But Schweinsteiger admitted the result, which took Louis van Gaal's team top of the Barclays Premier League, mattered more than whether he scored his first Reds goal.

He told MUTV after the game: "It would be nice if it was my goal but I know that the Watford player touched the ball so, for me, it doesn’t matter. We won the three points and that’s the most important thing.

"It meant a lot to me because these sorts of games can make the difference at the end of the season. Now we have two points more, which is why I was really happy and made an unbelievable sprint after the goal where nobody could follow me so I'm very happy about that!"

Schweinsteiger stressed United had opportunities to increase their lead during a dominant first half after Memphis Depay’s early goal before the late drama saw the Reds snatch a third straight win in all competitions.

"Memphis and Jesse played really well and we shouldn’t forget had great chances in the first half to score the second goal which would have made it easier. But we showed character and fought until the final seconds."

With seven first-team players missing for the game, Schweinsteiger was the oldest player in the starting line-up but the 31-year-old is delighted with the team spirit and the Reds’ current position.

He added: "I always enjoy it and I have to deal with being one of the oldest players and having a lot of experience but I have to say this team does really well, everyone fights for their team-mates and we try to improve every week.

"I remember, a few weeks ago, we were five points behind and now we are at the top, which is very important.

"I think, the whole season, we have had a good spirit. In every game, we want to win and fight for each other. Especially today, with the wind and the pitch, it’s not easy. We tried to play and didn’t give up. In the end, I think we deserved to win and we’re happy."