Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Manchester United fans have been urged to "be patient" with Louis van Gaal by Bastian Schweinsteiger as unrest grows over a perception the club is playing dull football under the Dutchman.
The club recently endured three goalless draws in succession and have had to deal with various former players criticising the style of football on show. Paul Scholes has been among the most outspoken whilst Dwight Yorke yesterday said the football under Van Gaal had been "hard to bear" .
However, Schweinsteiger believes Van Gaal will ultimately bring success, just as he did when the midfielder worked with him at Bayern Munich.
"I recognise similarities between Louis van Gaal here and at Bayern Munich," the midfielder told the club's website.
"In Munich, it took a while before the team understood exactly how we wanted to play football, but in the end we won the Bundesliga title and made it to the Champions League final.
"You have to be patient. But, of course, during that you have to win, you have to get results and you have to score.
"It is not about October or November - it is about May. I am sure Louis will bring success to United. I am convinced that will happen but we have to do our work and we have to improve."
Show all 22 1 /22Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings David De Gea - 6 out of 10 Had nothing to do for the vast majority of the afternoon.
Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Ashley Young - 5 out of 10 Removed after the breakthrough came in the second half for Phil Jones, who probably should have started the game in Young's position.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Chris Smalling - 7 out of 10 Another performance which showed why he is the club's most consitent performer this term.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Daley Blind - 6 out of 10 Was not troubled today but at times showed why he simply isn't an option at centre-half.
2015 Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Marcos Rojo - 6 out of 10 An adventurous display. Caught out at times, but his gradual improvement is encouraging.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Michael Carrick - 7 out of 10 It's hard to see why both he and Schweinsteiger must start. A lack of dynamism in the middle contributed to a poor first half.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Bastian Schweinsteiger - 7 out of 10 A player at home in the Premier League when up against unadventurous opposition who give him the time to pull the strings.
2015 Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Juan Mata - 6 out of 10 Was unlucky not to score early on but saw his effort glance past the far post. Became a bit part figure as the game went on, bar his well-taken penalty.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Wayne Rooney - 5 out of 10 Did not get much wrong, did not get much right. The biggest indictment of his recent form is that when he's not truly poor, he's only just average.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Jesse Lingard - 8 out of 10 Deserved his superb opener, which he swept around Myhill brilliantly. Undoubtedly man of the match.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Anthony Martial - 7 out of 10 Registered the home side's first shot on target just before half-time and was, on balance, United's main creative outlet.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Boaz Myhill - 6 out of 10 It could hardly be said that he was at fault for either goal.
2015 Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Craig Dawson - 4 out of 10 A dismal pass almost allowed Lingard in to break the deadlock. Looked sub-standard when tested.
2015 Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Jonny Evans - 7 out of 10 Often came to his teammates rescue, particularly that of Dawson when blocking Lingard's first-half effort.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Gareth McAuley - 6 out of 10 Conceded the late penalty and saw red, souring an afternoon on which he generally dealt with threats well.
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Chris Brunt - 5 out of 10 Playing in a makeshift left-back role and you could tell. Not solid enough defensively, too far back to be effective in final third.
2015 Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings James McClean - 5 out of 10 Offered very little with harebrained running.
2015 Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Darren Fletcher - 7 out of 10 In glimpses, showed why Old Trafford once thought very highly of him.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Claudio Yacob - 6 out of 10 Typically combative but let down somewhat by those around him.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings James Morrison - 5 out of 10 Fluffed his lines when handed a presentable chance in the second half.
2015 Manchester United FC
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Stephane Sessegnon - 6 out of 10 Was the visitors' biggest threat with neat link-up play
2015 Getty Images
Manchester United vs West Brom player ratings Salomon Rondon - 5 out of 10 More was expected after his impressive recent displays.
2015 Manchester United FC
The World Cup winner acknowledged the fans' unhappiness with the perceived dullness of Van Gaal's style compared with the attack-minded, free-flowing United sides of the past but insisted there was more than one way to achieve success.
"Football is not only about attack. There are teams with different game styles and they also win titles.
"But I think especially in home matches we have to press and go forward. When you are playing a team who defend with 10 men, it is not easy to find the gaps," he said.
United travel to face 11th place Watford on November 21, when the league resumes after the international break.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies