Manchester United have been knocked out of the 2015/16 Champions League at the group stage after suffering a 3-2 away loss to Wolfsburg on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
The crucial fixture began in promising fashion for the visitors, who took the lead in the 10th minute through Anthony Martial.
However, Wolfsburg did not take long to wrangle back momentum, hitting the lead by the 30th minute to hold a 2-1 lead at half time.
Wolfsburg would extend their lead in the dying stages, before conceding a late own goal to give United some respectability on the scoreboard.
In Group B’s other result, PSV Eindhoven secured their advancement to the business end of the competition with a 2-1 win at home against CSKA Moscow.
Final score:
Wolfsburg 3
Manchester United 2
Wolfsburg host Manchester United, with both sides just a solitary win away from cementing a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Join The Roar from 6:45am (AEDT) for live scores.
Pool B is tightly packed, with Wolfsburg on nine points, United on eight, and third-placed PSV Eindhoven on seven.
A win for the Dutch side over CSKA Moscow in Group B’s corresponding fixture guarantees them a spot in the last 16, meaning Wolfsburg can afford a draw, but Manchester needs the three points.
Wolfsburg is coming off a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in their last fixture. Ricardo Rodriguez equalised in injury time to draw scores level, however Shinji Kagawa stunned Wolfsburg moments later with another late goal to steal the points.
United for their part are coming off three straight draws – to West Ham, Leicester City and PSV Eindhoven. Despite failing to get a win, Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal has other things to worry about.
Wayne Rooney, Paddy McNair and Morgan Schneiderlin are all in doubt, while Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia will all miss the midweek fixture.
The last time these sides faced off was in early October. Daniel Caligiuri fired early for Wolfsburg; Juan Mata equalised shortly after, then Chris Smalling found the net in the second half to secure the 2-1 win for the Red Devils.
Wolfsburg could opt for a more defensive style, and Manchester United need to be careful not to get caught on the counter. Either way, it should be a close game.
Prediction
Wolfsburg 1-1 Manchester United
Will it be Wolfsburg or Manchester United that cement their place in the last 16 of the Champions League? Join The Roar from 6:45am (AEDT) for live scores to find out.
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