Manchester United’s Champions League hopes in the balance after PSV draw

Manchester United’s Champions League ambitions were plunged into doubt after a 0-0 home draw against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday that highlighted the English team’s attacking shortcomings under manager Louis van Gaal.

The team have managed just six goals in eight games, which Van Gaal has admitted is a concern. “But then the second half was not great and I think it is a miracle that we didn’t give chances away in the second half – only one, I believe”, Van Gaal told United’s official site.

“It’s not a effect of good or bad performances”. United went close to scoring three times in the first half although they lacked sharpness in front of goal. Fans illuminated the screens on their smartphones and held them aloft during the seventh minute of the Champions League game, in a nod to the shirt number most closely associated with the richly talented Northern Irish winger.

Martial had the best chance of the match as Lingard’s shot deflected into the Frenchman’s path. With the outside of his boot, he struck from ten yards but it was straight at Zoet, who also parried ex-PSV man Depay’s shot before the interval, after good work by the ever-improving Chris Smalling. “We were prepared for it and the team did well and we got more space in midfield and on the sides”, Cocu said.

PSV looked comfortable throughout with Davy Proepper and Jorrit Hendrix effective in possession as Philip Cocu’s side threatened to take all three points with some incisive breakaways. It’s a learning curve for us, but we can’t go on saying it’s a learning curve.

Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini are fit to return after missing Saturday’s win over Watford, but Shaw, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Antonio Valencia and Phil Jones all miss out.

Manchester City were beaten 1-nil by Juventus, confirming the Italians place in the last 16, while City had already qualified.

But Van Gaal, needing a win to take the edge of a potentially tricky trip to Wolfsburg in two weeks time, was in no mood for patience, and a double change soon followed.

“For me and for us he is a very important player”. Having conceded only nine goals in all competitions, they lost to PSV in a 2-1 scoreline, which was a big blow they’ll be looking forward to recover.

“They could not find a solution, how to break us down, and towards the end maybe they did not believe they could do it”.

If CSKA win that one at home to Wolfsburg, it would mean Louis van Gaal’s side cannot only qualify by beating PSV but also seal top spot at the same time due to their better head-to-head record against the Russians.