Manchester United began the evening knowing that they needed a favorable result to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions league. Either one of these results would have done it:
It would not happen on this night in Germany. Manchester United were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage following a 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg. This marked only the fourth time in their history that Untied failed to qualify for the knockout round.
The Red Devils were left to rue the many wasteful opportunities they had in a very open game. They struck first after a beautiful through ball from Juan Mata in the 10th minute. He found Anthony Martial who calmly slotted past the keeper for the first goal of the match.
A mere 3 minutes later, Naldo equalized for Wolfsburg. The defender volleyed past David De Gea after freeing himself from Smalling’s marking. Wolfsburgs’s quick response seemed to sap some of United’s energy. United were firmly on the back foot at that point. The hosts scored in 29th minute to take the lead. It was a delightful piece of football as Manchester United’s defense was carved apart.
Manchester United thought they had equalized shortly before the half only to have the goal waived off. After vociferous protests from the Wolfsburg players and fans, the referee ruled that Juan Mata who was in an offside position impeded the view of the goalkeeper.
Manchester United grew desperate in the second half. However, they rarely created scoring opportunities. An own Goal by Josuha Guilavogui, gave United some hope but Wolfsburg reclaimed the lead 2 minutes later. Again it was Naldo who found separation from the defense and put the ball into the back of the net.
All things considered, United were extremely poor in this years competition. Their inability to move the ball with pace and precision was quite glaring. For a club with such rich history, the result today is simply unacceptable.