(Reuters) – Manager Louis van Gaal says he cannot defend himself after coming in for fresh criticism following Manchester United’s early Champions League exit.
United dropped into the Europa League after losing 3-2 at VfL Wolfsburg in their final Group B fixture on Tuesday and the manager was once again flayed by former players for his team’s limp performance.
“At the moment I cannot defend myself because we are out of the Champions League,” Van Gaal told a post-match news conference.
“Every word I say is wrong. But when you see the facts, we were further in the (League) Cup (than last season), qualified for the Champions League group, we have played all these matches and are still in a very good position in the league.
“We are better than last year. That’s my answer because I can only give facts. I’m also disappointed that we are out of the Champions League.”
Anthony Martial put United in front in Germany but centre back Naldo equalised and Wolfsburg took the lead before halftime through midfielder Vieirinha, who finished off a slick passing move with a tap in.
United clawed their way back thanks to Josuha Guilavogui’s late own goal but Naldo struck again to seal the win, while Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven beat CSKA Moscow 2-1 in the other group fixture to advance at the Premier League side’s expense.
“It was a crazy match,” Van Gaal said. The manager’s woe was compounded by injuries to defenders Matteo Darmian (hamstring) and Chris Smalling (groin), which he said would likely rule them out of Saturday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth.
Van Gaal was especially unhappy with midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who he was banking on before the game to guide United through to the knockout stages.
