Mata inspires Man United to 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed last week that the Dutchman would find it hard to depart, however. “Normally I leave after next year, but nothing in football is normal”, he said.

“But I promised my wife to go with her to our paradise (villa in Portugal) so it shall be very hard for me to deny that promise”.

It coincided with a loss of composure in the United midfield brought on by Van Gaal’s decision to send on Phil Jones for Schweinsteiger, but despite Wolfsburg pressing – Schuerrle drilling a shot across goal and Rodriguez whipping a free-kick narrowly wide – United held on.

This is United’s 108th win in the Champions League, equal as many as Bayern München.

But United started their group stage campaign with defeat at PSV.

“We did what we had to do, which was win after losing the first game in Holland. I think that we deserved to win, because we created much more chances than Wolfsburg, when you count all the chances”.

Wolfsburg won their opening game in Group B against CSKA Moscow, and will be hoping to cause an upset today at Old Trafford.

“It’s not (just) quality but it’s also luck”. But we don’t finish it and it was a lucky penalty, I think. Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza netted the goals in the 41st and 87th minute to give the Italians six from six in their first two games as they try to make their way back to the final.

Louis Van Gaal’s side jumped to the first slot in Barcely Premier League following a comfortable win against Sunderland in the weekend clash. There is still room to grow for the Red Devils, however, Van Gaal is taking the club down the proper track for success similar to the team’s glory years.

Arsenal fell behind at previously unbeaten Leicester City but Chile striker Alexis Sanchez returned to his best with a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory that lifted them to fourth with 13 points.

“We score but after that it was suffering”, he added.

“They have a great team, they’ve improved a lot in the last few years”.

Schweinsteiger needs little improvement to his game, according to his manager.

“There are referees who are not whistling for such a foul so then you are lucky that he is whistling”, Van Gaal said in a news conference.

“Then we have to play against a European squad who is willing to give everything against us”.

“But in the first half I was very pleased”.

“I can say as a manager he played very well and I agree with you – but I don’t agree with you”.

“They can achieve a lot”.

But Michael Carrick and Marcos Rojo will not face Wolfsburg due to injury, while Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera are doubts.