Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes the best is yet to come from Bastian Schweinsteiger after backing the midfielder to shine over the busy festive period.

The Germany international arrived at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich this summer and the 31-year-old has been a regular fixture in the first team this season.

He has made 15 Premier League appearances, with 11 of those coming from the start, and the Kolbermoor-born star managed to grab a goal in the 1-1 draw against Leicester City recently.

The midfielder is yet to produce his best performances since joining the English giants and many are questioning the decision to sign the World Cup winner.

However, Van Gaal is adamant the player is right for the team and the Dutchman has backed Schweinsteiger to demonstrate the form witnessed when he was at Bayern.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The Red Devils could only manage a 0-0 draw against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Saturday and the lack of a proven goalscorer showed in the match, with just one shot on target from 21 attempts.

Next up for United is an away trip Wolfsburg on Tuesday in the Champions League and the visitors are 3.10 to win, the draw is priced at 3.25 while the hosts are the 2.25 favourites.