Manchester United travel to Wolfsburg in what is essentially a must win game for them in the Champions League. United have struggled to score recently and were again held to a 0-0 draw against West Ham in the Premier League. Such goalless displays were once unthinkable during Fergie’s tenure but under Van Gaal nobody is surprised when the same happens.
Wayne Rooney is ruled out of this game with an ankle knock,so Anthony Martial is expected to lead the line. Martial’s debut sent Old Trafford into euphoria but since that game, Martial hasn’t had much of an impact and looks nothing more than a talented teenager. Talking of talented teenagers, Memphis Depay has also struggled since his arrival at Old Trafford and he would need a dramatic change in his fortunes to establish himself at Old Trafford. With United fans generally used to seeing talented youngsters growing up and becoming superstars right under their noses this phase of failed superstar transfers and talented kids not able to make it at Old Trafford is new.
If United are not able to qualify for the Champions League, for the first time in his tenure, Van Gaal will be under pressure. So far the Dutchman has been an expert in deflecting questions about United’s style of play and the Premier League’s poor quality has helped United stay in the upper echelons of the table. But failure to qualify from one of the easiest groups in the Champions League will put Van Gaal straight in the firing line.
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