Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Van Gaal to give Schweinsteiger a chance to prove fitness vs. PSG

Bastian Schweinsteiger is set to return from injury when Manchester United play Paris Saint-Germain in Chicago on Wednesday.

The World Cup winner missed United's 3-1 victory over Barcelona in Santa Clara on Saturday with a minor injury.

But manager Louis van Gaal expects his summer signing to recover in time to face the French champions at Soldier Field.

However, he is not sure yet if Schweinsteiger, who has made two substitute appearances on United's preseason tour so far, will be ready to take on Tottenham in the opening game of the Premier League season.

"That I do not know because he has to prove himself," Van Gaal said in a news conference. "Every player has to prove himself and also Bastian Schweinsteiger. He shall play against Paris Saint-Germain. I expect. Let us hope that he convinces me."

Schweinsteiger, who cost £14.5 million when he joined from Bayern Munich, appeared for the second half against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes but was criticised by Van Gaal for his performance in the latter game.

Captain Wayne Rooney and substitutes Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj scored in United's victory over the Champions League winners.

Rooney and new signing Memphis Depay have been paired in attack in all three games so far and Van Gaal was pleased to see them combining.

"I think they try to do their utmost best to look for each other and sometimes I think too much," he explained. "It should be better when we have a wider orientation, but I think they were always a threat and that is very important.

"I think Barcelona could not cope with the threat of Depay and Rooney, but I have to say that Adnan Januzaj was also a big threat for them in the 30 minutes that he played as a striker. That is good to see."

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