PSV equalized and poor defending on United’s part allowed Wolfsburg’s Naldo to score his second goal of the match and what would turn out to be the go-ahead goal to seal their own and United’s fate.
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United did get on level terms on 82 minutes when Blind’s corner from the left was headed down by Fellaini towards goal and Guilavogui could only send a backwards header looping into his own net when trying to clear.
PSV Eindhoven’s 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow on the same night meant United tumbled out of the Champions League for an unwanted reunion with the Europa League.
The result will further increase the scrutiny on Van Gaal who has been heavily criticised for a perceived negative style of play. United should have cruised through this group.
Van Gaal felt the fact that he had seven first-team players out injured did not help.
The hosts lived up to their nickname of Die Wolfe and hounded United like a pack of aggressive wolves.
Asked if he thought Van Gaal’s position was now under threat, Owen replied: “I think he’s under severe pressure now”. Wolfsburg 2. PSV 3. He took one touch before rolling the ball past Diego Benaglio. United were back to square one.
Wolfsburg nearly found themselves ahead after just three minutes but Andre Schurrle blazed over the crossbar from six-yards out. When he came he was accelerating in the start of his campaign at Manchester United.
The Germany winger beat two defenders with a drop of the shoulder and a burst of pace before exchanging a quick one-two with Max Kruse and then unselfishly squaring for Vieirinha to sweep home.
The former Netherlands coach, who replaced David Moyes in May 2014, led the Red Devils back into the Champions League after they failed to qualify for Europe under the Scot. For a team with quality forwards, it seems that they play too cautiously in attack, which is starting to seriously annoy the supporters, but the players as well, who are aware that they need to find the killer instinct.
The 22-year-old scarcely features for United but the form of Memphis Depay saw Van Gaal handed the winger a start against West Brom in the first week of November. Wolfsburg still looked risky though.
Van Gaal introduced Nick Powell and Michael Carrick for the final 20 minutes with the hope bagging an equaliser.
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United pushed for an equaliser but it did not come.
