Manchester United’s return to the Champions League was spoiled by a 2-1 defeat at the hands of PSV Eindhoven with manager Louis van Gaal left to rue missed chances.
United failed to capitalise after former PSV star Memphis Depay gave them the lead. Goals from Hector Moreno and Luciano Narsingh propelled the Dutch champions to win all three points in a tough group that also has Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow.
Louis van Gaal rues missed chances
Manchester United created enough chances to win the game, but could not put the game to bed. Speaking post-defeat, Louis van Gaal was quoted by Goal.com as saying, “We can only blame ourselves, I think, because we created so many chances,” he told reporters.
“After Tottenham I said you have to score one more than the opponent. PSV were very effective, scoring from nothing… a corner kick, a deflected ball, then scoring in the second half from a poor pass.
“We have dominated every game that we have played this season except PSG in preparation.
“We have dominated the game and had most of the chances. But we have lost. It’s fantastic for PSV and their fans but we have lost.”
Luke Shaw injury overshadows the loss
The game was marred by injury to Luke Shaw, who has suffered a broken foot after a tackle from PSV defender Hector Moreno. The defender was breaking in the box when Moreno slid in to win the ball, but the defender’s momentum meant he floored Shaw.
Criticising the challenge which did not even get a red card, Van Gaal told the BBC . :
“A boy who came to Manchester United at 18 years old, it was very difficult, and the next season he plays fantastic and then that happens like this,” said the Dutchman.
“When I say it is a red card and penalty, you will say I am a bad loser. Every word I say is taken in the wrong way. It was in the 18-yard box and it was very bad tackle with two legs.
“I’m not a doctor so I cannot say, but when you have a double fracture it is four to six months. But you can never say that in advance.
“He won’t play in the group stage, I don’t think. I hope he will play again this season.”
