Boss: Schweinsteiger Can Return To His Best

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal feels there is more to come from summer signing Bastian Schweinsteiger in a red shirt this season.

The Germany international has had an inconsistent start to his Old Trafford career, performing well in patches but also having his campaign disrupted by injury. The 31-year-old has missed the last seven games with a knee problem.

"Bastian has been unlucky because he picked up an injury at a time that he was playing very well – he was improving," van Gaal said. "However, during December I said that I expect more and he was very disappointed I said that, but I think I can say that because my expectation is higher."

In spite of this admission, the United boss tipped the World Cup-winner to meet that expectation and return to the form that enabled him to become one of the world’s most revered midfielders during his time at Bayern Munich, with the boss particularly impressed by his displays towards the end of 2015.

"Manchester United has bought him even though he is now 31, so I had to convince the board to buy him, because he’s a very good player and he always gives a team more balance," the boss continued.

"He played very well at Wolfsburg and then began to reach the level he showed at Munich – I think he can [get back to it]."