Schweinsteiger not claiming first goal for Manchester United

Bastian Schweinsteiger looking for first goal after his Watford effort was listed as an own goal

Manchester United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger has been an important player for the Red Devils this season and he is set to continue in midfield against PSV Einhoven in the Champions League this week as he searches for his first goal.

The German international has been a strong thorn for United this season with his experience and big game know-how enabling Louis van Gaal’s side to be in a strong position.

United are currently second in the Premier League table behind Leicester City, whereas in Europe they could qualify for the knockout stages with a win against PSV at Old Trafford. The game is a must win with German side Wolfsburg close behind United in the race for the top spot. Van Gaal’s men will want top spot as they look to avoid the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and potentially Real Madrid in the next round.

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And the win against Watford on the weekend will give the side massive confidence of beating their Dutch opponents. Schweinsteiger played 90 minutes and gave the side all three points when his last minute effort was helped in by Troy Deeney. It was a huge goal but one he can’t claim as he searches for his first goal.

However, the 31 year-old didn’t mind and admitted that the three points were the main priority.

"Schweinsteiger said, as reported by manutd.com: “It would be nice if it was my goal but I know that the Watford player touched the ball so, for me, it doesn’t matter. We won the three points and that’s the most important thing.“It meant a lot to me because these sorts of games can make the difference at the end of the season. Now we have two points more, which is why I was really happy and made an unbelievable sprint after the goal where nobody could follow me so I’m very happy about that!”"

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Watford was always going to be a tricky game and it was that way throughout despite United having chances. Van Gaal has come in and adopted a possession football approach and it has worked so far despite the criticism.

United dominated spells and has opportunities to kill the game and Schweinsteiger admitted that.

"“Memphis and Jesse played really well and we shouldn’t forget had great chances in the first half to score the second goal which would have made it easier. We didn’t play with real swagger today but we showed character and fought until the final seconds.”"

The big plus from the weekend was that United had a young side out with Schweinsteiger the oldest on the pitch at 31. Other players such as Lingard, Depay, Schneiderlin and Ander Herrera were all under the age of 25.

It shows the confidence in the players to play at a high level week-in week-out and the World Cup winner added that it is great for him and the side.

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"He added: “I always enjoy it and I have to deal with being one of the oldest players and having a lot of experience but I have to say this team does really well, everyone fights for their team-mates and we try to improve every week.“I remember, a few weeks ago, we were five points behind and now we are at the top, which is very important.“I think, the whole season, we have had a good spirit. In every game, we want to win and fight for each other. Especially today, with the wind and the pitch, it’s not easy. We tried to play and didn’t give up. In the end, I think we deserved to win and we’re happy,” he added."

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