Van Gaal disappointed with Schweinsteiger despite injury problems

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has levelled criticism at £6.5-million summer signing Bastian Schweinsteiger after convincing the club's board to sign the player despite his being over the age of 30.

Schweinsteiger, 31, hasn't appeared for the Red Devils since suffering a knee injury in the team's FA Cup fixture against Sheffield United on Jan. 9. He's only made 13 league starts this season, leaving Van Gaal disappointed with the production of the Germany international.

"Bastian has been unlucky because he picked up an injury at a time that he was playing very well," Van Gaal said, according to The Telegraph. "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."

Schweinsteiger was a protagonist during United's unsuccessful Champions League run. It failed to progress from the group stage, and based on those six European matches, Van Gaal believes Schweinsteiger could yet return to the form that made him a stalwart in midfield at Bayern Munich.

"I think he can get back to it," Van Gaal said.

United has rotated between Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, and Morgan Schneiderlin in the holding position, but Schweinsteiger arguably brings the most balance to Van Gaal's team sheet.

The 2014 World Cup winner, who was granted a holiday to recover both mentally and physically from his injury problems, isn't expected to return to the lineup for at least another two weeks.