Manchester United vs PSV Eindhoven player ratings: Jesse Lingard misses best chance during drab display
The young winger should have given his side the lead mid-way through the second half
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United failed to get the win they needed to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night and, in some respects, were lucky not to fall to a defeat.
The Eredivisie champions were unadventurous in the first half, posing no threat to the Premier League side, but then United’s play also lacked ambition. As the Dutch team were allowed to grow into the game, the prospect of Louis van Gaal’s side taking three points became ever more distant.
Jesse Lingard will be singled out as the one who should have wrapped up the three points. He was found unmarked and six yards out but when shooting on half-volley, leaned too far back and saw his effort fly over the bar.
Ultimately, however, the blame cannot lie with the youngster. His chance, as good as it was, should not have been the only credible one created by Van Gaal’s side. The same one-dimensional forward play that Old Trafford has been subjected to all season was once again on display tonight and blame must lie with those sitting in the dugout.
The club's Champions League hopes now hang in the balance. Assuming PSV dispatch the already-eliminated CSKA Moscow in their final game, United must win against group leaders Wolfsburg away from home to be sure of qualification.
Take a look at the gallery below to see how we rated Manchester United's players...
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