Thursday 26 November 2015 08:55, UK
Manchester United's Champions League hopes are hanging in the balance after a frustrating 0-0 draw with PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal's side are still second in Group B but they now need a victory away to Wolfsburg in order to guarantee their qualification for the knockout stages.
Here, we round up the biggest talking points from a disappointing night for the Red Devils…
United take it to the wire
A win would have sent United through with a game to spare, but they have given themselves plenty of work to do to reach the knockout stages. This goalless stalemate coupled with Wolfsburg's win over CSKA Moscow means only two points separate the top three in Group B, and United now need to beat Wolfsburg in Germany to guarantee qualification.
United beat the Bundesliga side 2-1 in the reverse fixture at the end of September, but they had to come from behind to do it. In Germany, the task is likely to be even tougher. Wolfsburg have been strong at home this season, with Pep Guardiola's imperious Bayern Munich the only side to have beaten them. A draw or even a defeat could still be enough for United depending on other results, but they will need to show considerable improvement if they are to avoid a late scare.
Best tribute lights up Old Trafford
There may have been little in the way of entertainment on the pitch, but there was a moment to savour in the stands when supporters lit up Old Trafford using their mobile phones to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of club legend George Best. It was a touching tribute to United's iconic No 7, and it was accompanied by the unveiling of a new banner reading 'Georgie… Simply the Best'.
Best scored 179 goals in 470 appearances during an unforgettable 11-year stint at United in the 1960s and 70s, winning two league titles and a European Cup as well as a host of individual honours which included the 1968 Ballon d'Or. At Old Trafford, United's struggles to break PSV down were a reminder of just how rare a talent like Best is.
United forwards flounder
Louis van Gaal had injury doubts over Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay in the build-up to this game, but all three returned to the starting XI with Jesse Lingard completing their attacking quartet. Despite having a full complement of forwards available, however, United were lethargic and desperately short of cutting edge in the final third.
Martial had two near-post efforts saved by PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet in the first half and Lingard fired a golden opportunity over the bar after the break, but there were few other opportunities to speak of and the visitors were largely comfortable. Rooney only mustered one shot on goal and didn't create a single scoring chance, while Depay lost possession more than any of his team-mates in his 59 minutes on the pitch.
Given their struggles in attack, it was curious that Juan Mata was not introduced until the 85th minute. Mata leads the way for chances created in both the Champions League (11) and Premier League (23) this season, but by the time he replaced Matteo Darmian there was little he could do.
United need a lift for Leicester
United cannot afford to dwell on their Champions League disappointment, with a trip to Premier League leaders Leicester City next up for Van Gaal's men on Saturday Night Football. The Red Devils were famously beaten 5-3 on their last visit to the King Power Stadium, and in-form Leicester have not tasted defeat in the league for two months.
The rampant Jamie Vardy will be eager to break Ruud van Nistelrooy's record for scoring in consecutive Premier League games against the Dutchman's old club, and the Foxes have found the net in every one of their 16 fixtures this season. United, therefore, will need to buck up their ideas in attack in order to put this latest stalemate out of their minds.
Defensive positive for Van Gaal
While United supporters are unlikely to take any positives from such an insipid performance, Van Gaal will at least be pleased with another successful shut-out at the back. United's attacking troubles have overshadowed their defensive improvement in recent weeks, but they have now kept six clean sheets in their last seven games in all competitions.
PSV were limited to handful of shots on goal, with Daley Blind and Chris Smalling providing a sturdy base in the centre of defence. With Phil Jones injured again, Van Gaal will have been particularly pleased by Blind's assured display. The former Ajax man made more interceptions than anyone else (four) and he also led the way for chances created (four) thanks to some effective forays forward. United will need to show more defensive resolve against Leicester.
