Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has paid tribute to departed manager Louis van Gaal following his sacking earlier this week.

The Dutchman left the club just two days after steering them to FA Cup glory at Wembley - their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Schweinsteiger worked with Van Gaal at Bayern Munich before following him to Old Trafford, and the Germany international had only good words to say about the veteran manager.

"I think Louis van Gaal and I have a very special relationship. He moved me into the centre of the midfield at Bayern and I've got a lot to thank him for. Also, my move to United was because of him. I will never say any bad words about somebody for whom I have so much to thank," he told reporters.

"Quite the opposite. Even if we were not always of the same opinion, we had a good relationship. I admire him as a coach and, despite a difficult season with really much injury misfortune, he still ended it with a good title.

"It's been two years since United last won a title and I think that was a good ending also for him."

Schweinsteiger also said that he is expecting a "special season" should Jose Mourinho take charge at United.