Louis van Gaal’s men lose 3-2 in Wolfsburg as they drop to Europa League
Manchester United will be in the Europa League in the New Year after losing 3-2 at Wolfsburg this evening.
The Red Devils went into tonight’s game knowing they had to better PSV Eindhoven‘s result, who were at home to CSKA Moscow, but as the Dutch side won 2-1, it was an impossible task.
However, throughout the night there were glimpses of hope for United, but in an incredible turn of events, it all went sour for the Premier League side in the final 10-minutes.
Match Summary
The game got off to a great start for the visitors as Anthony Martial put them ahead on 12-minutes after latching on to a super through ball from Juan Mata. The goal put United top of the group and comfortably through to the next round.
However, just a minute later and the hosts were level as Naldo turned home on the volley beautifully to put the German side level and back on top of the group.
Wolfsburg then took the lead after a stunning passage of football, which was finished off by Vieirinha. The Bundesliga club went into the interval with the lead.
Despite being behind, United were given a glimpse of hope as CSKA took the lead in Holland, and things got even better for the English side as a Josuha Guilavogui own-goal put them level.
With the score at 2-2 and with PSV losing, United were in second place and advancing to the knockout stages, but all changed in a matter of minutes as PSV levelled things up, and United went 3-2 behind with Naldo scoring once again.
The night was ended, as were United’s hope, when PSV took the lead in their match to seal a qualification spot, leaving United in third-place and dropping down to the Europa League.
Match Reaction
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini: “It is difficult for us. We are disappointed. We should win against PSV at home. We created a lot of chances. We should win. They scored three goals from set pieces. We should defend better.
“We are not lucky tonight. In the last 10 minutes we played with 10 men (because Smalling was injured). It was more difficult. We have to forget this disappointment quickly. We have to recover quickly and focus on the next game.”
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal in his post-match news conference: “The result is difficult to understand. I am happy we have scored and not happy we have two times in two minutes given the goal away. I have to analyse why that is happening. Normally we are very good in that aspect.
“I have said in advance that this is a tight group and you see that in the results that we have made – and also our competitors.
“I have to say that we were not so lucky in a match today, with the decision of the referee, and also in the first match too. When the group is tight that kind of decision can decide whether you go through or not.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
