Manchester United are motivated: Schweinsteiger

Bastian Schweinsteiger admits Manchester United are motivated and ready for crucial Champions League clash

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes the Red Devils are motivated for the clash against Wolfsburg as the players know its an important clash.

The German international is likely to be the man the players look to on Tuesday night and he has already come and spoken on a mature level, which should help the players come kick off.

United are currently second in the Champions League group but they need a win to guarantee themselves of a spot in the next round of the competition. The other game in the group sees PSV Eindhoven take on CSKA Moscow with a win for the Dutch side seeing them progress into the knockout rounds.

So already in December, United face their most important game of the season and they will be without four key members for the game. Captain Wayne Rooney is out with an ankle injury while Ander Herrera done his hamstring two weeks ago. This news has been followed up by the blow of losing anchorman Morgan Schneiderlin, a player who has been important in helping the side keep clean sheets.

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But despite that, the mentality to win the game is still there and Schweinsteiger admitted that when speaking ahead of the game that could have a major impact on the Red Devils season.

"“The motivation is there for Tuesday,” Bastian said, as reported by manutd.com. “It is a very important match for us and I know how difficult it is at Wolfsburg. They have won a lot of matches at home. It is not easy. We have to find the right tactic and I am sure the team will be ready for the big night.“I remember we [Bayern] lost there once when Wolfsburg won 5-1, the year they won the Bundesliga. But we also won there 6-1. It is a mix of memories but they are very strong. I am looking forward to it. They will come at us more as they are at home. Maybe that will be better for us.”"

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Schweinsteiger has been important for United this season with his directions and experience helping all the players around him.

The 31 year-old is likely to start alongside Michael Carrick on Tuesday and the experienced pair will need to play one of their best games to help United progress. They both have qualities and manager Louis van Gaal will be hoping they can produce the goods.

Van Gaal is a big fan of Schweinsteiger as he gave him an opportunity to play in the middle at Bayern Munich. It was the best decision for both and the United boss has revealed that he will be hoping Bastian can help the side in Germany.

"“The reason why we have bought Schweinsteiger is that he is a player who can lead or guide a team. That is important – not only his football qualities – but that he can lead and guide a team on the pitch,” van Gaal told the Sunday newspapers, as reported by manutd.com.“I believe that every match that he plays he can play better because until now we have not seen the best Schweinsteiger that I have seen at Bayern Munich, but he can guide the team.”"

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Van Gaal also believes the German international can score more goals for the side despite his great ability to create. Schweinsteiger always chipped in with goals at Bayern and the Dutch boss feels he can do the same in England.

"“He has always scored goals!” added the boss. “I put him in the middle when I was coach at Bayern Munich because he played always on the wings at that time, so I put him in the middle because that is his strength. He was still playing there after I was gone from Bayern Munich. He shall not score ten goals, but he shall score five goals because he is good with his feet and his head as you have seen.”"