Germany coach Oliver Bierhoff has criticised Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal over his comments regarding Bastian Schweinsteiger's form this season.

Schweinsteiger joined the Red Devils from Bayern Munich last summer, but in December Van Gaal suggested that the World Cup winner could have performed better in "every match" that he had played for the club.

However, Bierhoff has claimed that Van Gaal, who has faced intense speculation over his future this season, should be defending his players rather than criticising them so publicly.

"Every player needs the backing of the coach, the same goes for Bastian. Generally, I find it unfortunate if a coach publicly criticises a player so hard," he told Sport Bild.

Schweinsteiger is currently sidelined with a knee injury.