Germany

United board needed convincing over Schweinsteiger deal, says LVG

Published Feb. 15, 2016 9:00 a.m. ET

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Louis van Gaal has admitted he had to convince the Manchester United board to sign Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Schweinsteiger - who spent 17 years at Bayern Munich before moving to Old Trafford in the summer - has struggled with injuries this season and has missed United's last seven games with a knee problem.

Injuries also blighted his time at Bayern with boss Pep Guardiola claiming in August Schweinsteiger had not been fully fit for the last three years.

However, Van Gaal is convinced a consistent run in United's team will see one of Germany's most decorated players rediscover his best form.

"Manchester United has bought him even though he is now 31, so I had to convince the board to buy him," Van Gaal told the club's website.

"He's a very good player and he always gives a team more balance.

"Bastian has been unlucky because he picked up an injury at a time that he was playing very well - he was improving.

"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.

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

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