LvG admits he feels let down by Schweinsteiger

Matt Stead

Louis van Gaal has admitted he feels let down with Bastian Schweinsteiger’s performances this season after he had to convince the Manchester United hierarchy to sign the midfielder in the summer.

Fans were understandably delighted when the German World Cup winner joined from Bayern Munich for around £6.5million, but he has not featured for Manchester United since their narrow FA Cup victory over Sheffield United on January 9.

Of United’s 26 Premier League games, Schweinsteiger has started just 13 times and has so far failed to hit the heights he reached in his time at Bayern.

Van Gaal, who has been under pressure at Old Trafford for much of the season, has admitted he expected more from the veteran in his first campaign.

“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.”

The Red Devils boss also revealed that he had to persuade the board to sign the ageing midfielder.

“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.”