Manchester United’s Champions League ambitions were plunged into doubt after a 0-0 home draw against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday that highlighted the English team’s attacking shortcomings under manager Louis van Gaal.
Advertisement
Van Gaal’s team have now drawn 0-0 four times in their last seven games, scoring only six times in eight games.
“For me and for us he is a very important player”, Van Gaal said. “It is not a effect of good or bad performances”, added the Old Trafford boss. “You have to fight and perform well every game, like we also did at home against Manchester United”.
The best chance of all fell to Jesse Lingard who could have wrapped up the win for United but blasted over the bar after 73 minutes.
Asked if he agreed with Rooney’s comments about ruthlessness, Van Gaal said: “Yes, of course, because we are playing football to win – that is what he is saying, and I am saying that always”.
“It is a very hard task (now) because I think Wolfsburg is the best team in our group but it is possible”.
Manchester United were made to wait to secure their spot in the UCL knockout round, after they drew 0-0 with PSV Eindhoven. “We have won our home match against Wolfsburg, so why can’t we win in Wolfsburg?” Today we could have scored at least three goals.
From the perspective of Phillip Cocu’s side it was a highly satisfying night’s work as they got their first Group B away point and kept their qualifying hopes alive.
As the half progressed, Anthony Martial got two great opportunities to open to score for the hosts but he was denied brilliantly from Zoet on both the occasions. “There were occasions we could have put our foot on the ball and controlled it a bit more but we were a bit panicky at times”. Our away efforts are much higher than last season’.
“Because of that I didn’t buy a left-back because I had Daley Blind and also Marcos Rojo who could play in that position, and also Ashley Young”.
Advertisement
Rooney and Martial missed Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Watford with illness and injury respectively, while Fellaini returns from a calf problem, but United will be without Phil Jones and Ander Herrera, who were injured at the weekend.
