Manchester United vs Newcastle: Louis van Gaal reveals why he dropped Michael Carrick for Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger was handed his first start for United for the visit of Newcastle
Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Manchester United Louis van Gaal has revealed that he dropped Michael Carrick for the Premier League clash with Newcastle in order to save him for other matches and give himself a chance to improve the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The Germany international, who joined United in a £15m summer move, replaced Carrick in United’s midfield in the only change made to the side that saw offer Club Brugge and Aston Villa over the last eight days.
With Schweinsteiger making his first start of the season, many believed that the XI named at Old Trafford would be the preferred line-up this season, but Van Gaal insists Carrick still have a place among his squad.
Speaking to BT Sport ahead of the match, Van Gaal said: "I have to build him [Schweinsteiger] up. When you want to play him more for than 45 minutes you have to start with him.
"Everybody is saying he is a world champion and he has won a lot of things but every player has to prove that.
"To do that for Manchester United is not so easy but I have great confidence in him.
"I want to spare Michael Carrick for other matches. Last year he was very much injured and I want to prevent that."
The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...
iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments