The match between Wolfsburg and United had a huge importance from the point of view of LVG's career at United. It was not the most decisive one but certainly would play a part in understanding whether Van Gaal was the man to take United forward in the coming years. The talks of LVG extending his contract beyond 2017 would surely die down after the result at Wolfsburg.
The match was one of the most entertaining games that one has witnessed in the Champions League this year. It started at a great pace with both Schurrle and Mata, with the former in particular, having a great chance to take the lead. At times, it looked like a basketball game with both the teams having chances at either ends.
However, it was United who took the lead through Martial who finished an excellent incisive pass from Mata. The goal was a not a result of passing the ball around like LVG usually prefers but quick and direct play. It showed that the manager had changed the system and finally United were more exciting. However, may be there is a reason LVG does not prefer his team to play that way.
Wolfsburg quickly equalized through a free kick and later took the lead by an excellent play by Draxler who just opened up the United defence with ease. It was just a simple tap-in for Vierinha, but the fact that Draxler was allowed to enter the box with so much ease surely might have angered LVG.
Suddenly it felt that United could only qualify if PSV lose their game against CSKA Moscow. They came out strong in the second half but again failed to take their chances. However, the equalizer did come late in the game through an own goal and United might have felt they have just done enough.
But like the earlier goal, they conceded again through a set piece and it did look like Wolfsburg just handed their Europa League ticket. The final nail in the coffin was the victory of PSV which meant United had to win this match to get through. With a dire draw against West Ham followed by a defeat of this stature, LVG has a tough task ahead. One of the striking observations that could be made was of the bench. After investing 250 million pounds in three transfer windows, one cannot expect a bench with names like Jackson and Powell in a crunch Champions League tie.
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| Manchester United team during their game against Wolfsburg last night |
However, it was United who took the lead through Martial who finished an excellent incisive pass from Mata. The goal was a not a result of passing the ball around like LVG usually prefers but quick and direct play. It showed that the manager had changed the system and finally United were more exciting. However, may be there is a reason LVG does not prefer his team to play that way.
Wolfsburg quickly equalized through a free kick and later took the lead by an excellent play by Draxler who just opened up the United defence with ease. It was just a simple tap-in for Vierinha, but the fact that Draxler was allowed to enter the box with so much ease surely might have angered LVG.
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| Manchester United fans react to Champions League exit |
But like the earlier goal, they conceded again through a set piece and it did look like Wolfsburg just handed their Europa League ticket. The final nail in the coffin was the victory of PSV which meant United had to win this match to get through. With a dire draw against West Ham followed by a defeat of this stature, LVG has a tough task ahead. One of the striking observations that could be made was of the bench. After investing 250 million pounds in three transfer windows, one cannot expect a bench with names like Jackson and Powell in a crunch Champions League tie.
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