Bastian Schweinsteiger Comments on Criticism of Louis Van Gaal

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has rushed to the defence of manager Louis van Gaal and urged the Old Trafford faithful to get behind their under-fire boss.

The Germany international played under Van Gaal at Bayern Munich and proclaimed sections of the Allianz Arena were also sceptical of the Dutchman, noting patience as a critical factor to success, per the Guardian's Jamie Jackson:

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It is not about October or November, it is about May. I remember the fans were unsure about him early-on at Bayern but in the end we did the double and so the fans in Munich loved him. I am sure Louis will bring success to United. I am convinced about that but we have to do our work and we have to improve. I am convinced it will happen.

I recognise similarities between Louis van Gaal here and at Bayern Munich. In Munich, if you remember, it took a while before the team understood exactly how he wants to play football. But, in the end, we won the Bundesliga title and made it to the Champions League final. You have to be patient. But of course during that you have to win, you have to get results and you have to score. I think we are in a good way. We can improve. But the team spirit here is great.

"

The tactician has encountered criticism of late after failing to capture the same attacking imagination witnessed at Old Trafford in years gone by, having recently run to a streak of three consecutive 0-0 draws.

However, Schweinsteiger touched upon the notion there's more to winning in football than attack, although those views may not go down the right way with those hoping for more entertaining football from United:

"

You recognise what the supporters are saying but football is not only attack. There are teams with different game styles and they also win titles. But, I think, especially in home matches, we have to press and go forward. We did well offensively against West Brom. When you are playing a team who defend with 10 men it is not easy to find the gaps. There is still room for improvement but we did improve on breaking a team down.

It is not exclusive to England. In Munich in the league or the Champions League it was exactly the same. You have seen Bayern draw 0-0 recently against Frankfurt because Frankfurt were defending with a lot of players. It happens but you have to find solutions and this is where we can still improve to make it easier for ourselves.

"

The Red Devils are now riding high on the back of a two-match win streak, defeating CSKA Moscow 1-0 last Tuesday to go top of their Champions League group before clinching a 2-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Schweinsteiger's comments call into question what supporters would prefer to see from their club; attacking football that might leave their team vulnerable to punishment or a more boring formula geared toward results.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Having not conceded a goal in their last five matches, one might agree United's blueprint under Van Gaal is geared toward the latter, and simultaneously achieving both is something rarely witnessed.

United currently sit just two points off Premier League leaders Manchester City, but Schweinsteiger hints the best is yet to come under Van Gaal, and the midfielder has past evidence to feel vindicated in his faith.