Relive a dramatic night in the Champions League

1. Man Utd knocked out after defeat
2. Man Utd drop down into Europa League
3. FT: Man City 4-2 Monchengladbach
4. Silva and Sterling (2), Bony for Man City
5. Man City top their group
6. Use play icon for 5 live Final Score

Goodnight

Right, it's time for me to lie down in a darkened room.

But you've not got long to wait for more Champions League drama. Join us tomorrow to see what Arsenal and Chelsea serve up.

Until then... thanks for your company. Night!

'The Ancelotti link'

BBC Radio 5 Live

Times football correspondent Henry Winter: "There will be a few headlines linking Carlo Ancelotti’s name with Manchester United over the next few days I think. He’s given a series of interviews, in some of which he's talking kindly about United. 

"And as I speak several of the United fans are having their photos taken with Sir Alex Ferguson here, with one of the Glazers skulking in the background. They have to look at their role in this too. They have invested but this is a squad that still needs more."  

More injury woe for Sturridge

Simon Stone

BBC Sport

Here's some news for supporters of Liverpool FC...

"Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge will be out for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during Sunday's defeat at Newcastle.

"He felt a problem after coming on as a second-half substitute at St James' Park and a scan showed a strain.

"It is the latest in a long line of injury absences for the 26-year-old, who had just returned to action after knee and foot problems.

"Sturridge has made six appearances so far this season, scoring four goals."

'Decisions went against us - LvG'

More from Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal in his post-match news conference: "The result is difficult to understand. I am happy we have scored and not happy we have two times in two minutes given the goal away. I have to analyse why that is happening. Normally we are very good in that aspect.

"I have said in advance that this is a tight group and you see that in the results that we have made - and also our competitors.

"I have to say that we were not so lucky in a match today, with the decision of the referee, and also in the first match too. When the group is tight that kind of decision can decide whether you go through or not."

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How's stat?!

Getty Images

'LvG will only make a hash of it'

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"If the Glazers, Manchester United’s owners, want to carry on spending and continue to back Louis van Gaal then they must have money to burn, because Van Gaal will only make a hash of it. I really don’t think they have made progress since David Moyes. I would change it now - his recruitment has been poor.

"I don’t speak to Ryan Giggs that regularly, but clearly he will not be happy with the way they are playing. I just wonder how much of an influence he is actually allowed to have – whether he just puts the cone out in training. I wonder if Van Gaal does say from time to time: ‘You know what? You give the team talk, because you are the next manager of Manchester United."

Here's the verdict from BBC Radio Manchester's City man...

I'd love to know how many times the back pages changed on tonight's newspapers. I suspect it was pandemonium as the print deadlines approached.

What the papers say

The Daily Mail isn't holding back with their back page on Wednesday...

Daily Mail

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'LvG would wink to a mirror'

EPA

Times football correspondent Henry Winter: "There have been a lot of Manchester United fans calling for Louis van Gaal to go, but he will continue to be backed by the club.

"Van Gaal is the type of man who looks in a mirror and winks. He admires himself, he admires his CV, and yes he has won major titles across Europe - but the important thing is United still see him as having work to do.

"They will go again, spend more in January and they'll spend more next summer as well."

We've just retraced our steps from earlier. In just three games, there were seven goals in eight minutes. Scenes.

'United's elimination self-inflicted'

Times football correspondent Henry Winter: “That was very bad. The previous times Manchester United went out of the Champions League at the group stage it was against teams like Barcelona in 1994, with players like Romario in their side. 

"When this draw was made United were rightly confident of going through, but it’s Manchester City who have finished top of a far tougher group, and United go into the Europa League.

"It’s self-inflicted. They should have beaten PSV in their previous game, and they defended poorly here."

Cheeky!

Reaction

And ex-Reds striker Michael Owen told BT Sport: "This is a worse squad now. The players Louis van Gaal has let go in the last 18 months would beat tonight's team: Rafael, Evans, Evra, Nani, Kagawa, RVP, Nani, Chicarito, Januzaj, Welbeck. Smalling and Carrick would get in."

Reaction

Here's what ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand had to say on BT Sport: "It is embarrassing. You don’t want to come out of the house. People are questioning you. If you strip it back this squad needs a hard look. There is no pace or power. People are looking around at each other rather than saying I will drag you through."

Player reaction

Reuters

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini:"It is difficult for us. We are disappointed. We should win against PSV at home. We created a lot of chances. We should win. They scored three goals from set pieces. We should defend better.

"We are not lucky tonight. In the last 10 minutes we played with 10 men (because Smalling was injured). It was more difficult. We have to forget this disappointment quickly. We have to recover quickly and focus on the next game."

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Van Gaal speaks

Reuters

Louis van Gaal is currently talking to BT Sport. He looks furious - like a bulldog chewing a wasp. I'd hate to sit next to him on the plane home. Best to pretend you're asleep in that situation.

He said the match was "crazy" and the group was "tight". It's fair to say LvG was not happy with the decision to disallow a goal from Jesse Lingard at the end of the first half for offside.

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Dalraj: Now we see why LvG sets the team up in a very compact and defensive way; because when we open up and play expansively we become vulnerable. Manager is good enough but the players aren't, simple.

Alistair: That was one of our better performances of the season & people need to recognise tonight was not the reason we went out. Great performance from the young full-backs particularly. Let's have a go like this in the Premier League more often and fans will be back on board!    

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Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been scathing on BT Sport.

He says how hard he would find it to walk around Manchester after such a result and performance, adding that the current side has no pace, power or resilience.

'LvG has failed'

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Louis van Gaal has had all that money to spend, and he has failed. They lost their very first game in the group, then failed to beat PSV at home, and only struggled to a win over Wolfsburg at home before tonight.

"I think Bastian Schweinsteiger is a quarter of the player we are used to seeing –that man used to boss games, but now he doesn't have the legs. He can only play in holding midfield, well that's OK but my dad could play there, passing five yards to the left and five to the right.

"Schweinsteiger was bossed tonight and was hauled off. United cannot afford to be a club that just gives players a pay day. They need legs, they need more power in midfield."

Some key stats from tonight's game.

• Manchester United have failed to qualify from the CL group stage on four occasions - 94/95, 05/06, 11/12 and this season.
• Manchester Utd have won only one of their last 10 away games in the Champions League (5-0 v Leverkusen, November 2013), drawing four and losing five.
• Naldo scored in the Champions League for the first time since 2006.

Who's through?

5 live

AP

There's more concerns injury-wise for Manchester United too.

Captain Chris Smalling appeared to be injured when the final whistle went, while Matteo Darmian went off.

If you're going to watch the Reds at Bournemouth on Saturday and can tackle and head the ball, take your boots. You might get a game.

'Embarrassing. Van Gaal has to go'

BBC Radio 5 Live

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, Manchester United fans are giving their reaction.

Gary: "It's absolutely embarrassing. Louis van Gaal needs to go - there is no way we should be going out of a group like that.

"I've been to Europe with Cristiano Ronaldo in the team, I went to Barcelona [where United won the Champions League in 1999], I went all over when we were playing well. Van Gaal just does not have a team going. Not at all."

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Getty Images

Here's a question, United fans: Would Sir Alex Ferguson have got United through this group with the same set of players?

The Naldo's is on me

Getty Images

So what's happening here then? Is Wolfsburg's skipper inviting everyone to a post-match party?

Replacing Juan Mata with Nick Powell was not Louis van Gaal's greatest moment.

'Dull and going nowhere'

BBC Radio 5 Live

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, Manchester United fans are giving their reaction.

Adam: Manchester United have got Sheffield United at home in the FA Cup and I really think it will be one of our lowest attendances. Nobody will go, because we are so dull and we are going absolutely nowhere. There is nothing to be excited about and I don't think we will improve - that's why Louis van Gaal has to go.

"We gave him £250m to spend, and only our goalkeeper would interest a top side. Nick Powell wasn't even good enough for Leicester when he was there."

BBC Radio 5 Live

The BBC Radio 5 live phone lines are red hot, if you'll excuse the pun. Give them a ring on 0500 909 693 if you want to get involved.

So, of the teams who qualified tonight, Manchester City could face Paris St-Germain, PSV Eindhoven or Benfica in the last 16.

A much better proposition than Real Madrid, Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid who qualify alongside Manuel Pellegrini's men as group winners.

Twitter reacts

'LvG living on reputation'

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Manchester United fans came on the radio at the beginning of this game and said Louis van Gaal is building, he's putting the foundations down. I’m sorry but I don’t agree with that.

"I think he is living on his reputation. Whatever he has done in the past at big clubs, he is not doing it at United.

"I don't think they have gone forward from the David Moyes era, and the money he has spent is astronomical. Do the owners continue to let him spend?"  

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And let's not forget about the blue half of Manchester. Is this a turning point in their Champions League journey?

They've topped a group containing last year's runners-up (Juventus) and Europa League winners (Sevilla).

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And now for the inquest, Manchester United fans.

Can you take any positives from tonight? What next for LvG?

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

"Manchester United gave everything but ultimately they have gone out from a group they should have qualified from.

"Were they good enough? The draw at home to PSV, the defeat in Eindhoven, and the defeat tonight, you have to say not.

"They showed good character and met a really good front four they could not cope with here. It's a sad night for them, they go into the Europa League."

There's no DVD on the market this Christmas that can offer as much drama as the last 90 minutes. Seriously exciting stuff.

FULL-TIME

PA

And it's all over in Spain, meaning Manchester City finish top of Group D. A fantastic achievement.

FULL-TIME

Getty Images

Manchester United are eliminated from the Champions League.

Into the last minute of the three added on. United's goose looks cooked.

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FULL-TIME - PSV 2-1 CSKA Moscow

Reuters

This means United have to score two more without reply to go through. Or it's Thursday nights and the Europa League.

Six goals in Manchester and, most important of all, four of them for the hosts who are about to go through as group winners.

Boring, boring, United eh?

How attractive does a 1-0 win look in hindsight?

CLOSE!

Got to score... will score... no!

Chris Smalling's shot from close range is spectacularly blocked.

Then Jesse Lingard has a shot blocked.

I can't keep up.

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Three minutes left in Germany. Plenty of time for another couple. Plenty of time.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"If it's any consolation that equalising goal for Manchester United wouldn't have seen them go through with PSV taking the lead at home to CSKA Moscow."

That smoke billowing into the Salford night sky is from my keyboard. What an astonishing 10 minutes.

GOAL - PSV 2-1 CSKA Moscow

Reuters

Man Utd must win now - not looking good.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"You have got to mark properly! Just a minute after Manchester United get back into it and Naldo gets a free header.

"I cannot believe United have let this slip!"

GOAL - Wolfsburg 3-2 Manchester United

Getty Images

United through.

City through.

Expect more...

And here it is. Naldo heads home for Wolfsburg. This hokey-cokey is getting ridiculous now.

PSV in.

United out.

GOAL - Wolfsburg 2-2 Man Utd

Reuters

Incredible. Manchester United are now back in second place.

They've been in and out of that all-important qualification spot like the hokey-cokey. But now they're in it... Josuha Guilavogui heading into his own net as he tries to clear Marouane Fellaini's glance goalwards.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Just a couple of minutes ago we had both the Manchester clubs going through, now it's just the one. 

"But there is still just under 10 minutes to go for Manchester United..."

GOAL - Man City 4-2 Borussia Monchengladbach

Reuters

Even Wilfried Bony has scored now. Manchester City cruising into the next round as group winners, it seems.

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As it stands

Breathe, breathe.

United third in their group as it stands - they've about 10 minutes to find an equaliser.

City are now topping their group and could well avoid plenty of the big boys in the round of 16.

A mixed night for Manchester..... 

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GOAL - Man City 3-2 Borussia Monchengladbach

Getty Images

That's what you pay the big bucks for. David Silva's flicked header, muscle and a pass from Wilfried Bony and Raheem Sterling smashes in a sumptuous goal.

So now, Manchester City are on course to finish top of their group.

GOAL - PSV 1-1 CSKA Moscow

reut

Sorry Manchester United fans. Your lot might have to do this off their own back.

GOAL - Man City 2-2 Borussia Monchengladbach

Getty Images

The goals are raining in. Raheem Sterling converts from just outside the six-yard box and Manchester City are one goal from topping their group.

GOAL - PSV 0-1 CSKA Moscow

Reuters

CSKA Moscow have only gone and scored - Sergei Ignashevich netting a penalty.

So, as it stands, Manchester United are going through.

Wowzers.

Elsewhere in Europe

Come on now, surely you've scored enough already!?

Real Madrid are just not letting up at home to Malmo. They've already won the group but Karim Benzema's just got his hat-trick, Cristiano Ronaldo's already scored four, and Mateo Kovacic joined in the fun with his first goal for the Spanish club.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid lead Benfica 2-0 in a game that decides who finishes top of Group C, and who finishes second.  

CLOSE!

Reuters

Memphis steps up and curls it just wide...

Great effort.

But why didn't Nick Powell take it everyone is surely now asking? He's made for these situations.

I jest... but Powell's last senior game for United was in a 4-0 defeat against MK Dons.

Manchester United win a free-kick on the edge of the Wolfsburg box when Anthony Martial is tripped...

Meanwhile in Madrid...

Getty Images

As it stands

Man Utd are heading out of the Champions League. However, as things stand a goal for United or one for CSKA at PSV would see United finish in the top two.

Around 20 minutes left.

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SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

There's nothing else for it...

If you have a problem, and nobody else can help, maybe you can hire... Nick Powell.

Hardly a man from The A-Team (just Crewe!), but certainly a final throw of the dice. He replaces Juan Mata. Michael Carrick's on for Bastian Schweinsteiger.

CLOSE!

Aleksandar Kolarov is over a free-kick and whips it in... Nicolas Otamenidi header... over. A great chance. City have 18 minutes to find two goals.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

"Manchester United really have to defend better than that. Totally unmarked. If this is on target, it goes in - David de Gea was beaten."

Wolfsburg are turning the screw now - Arnold's speculative, swerving effort being palmed wide and from the corner, Naldo stabs wide. It only had to be on target

Good news for Manchester City - sort of. Sevilla have taken the lead at home to Juventus - Fernando Llorente scoring against his former club.  

That means if City can come back to win this they would go top of the group.

And therefore avoid Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid... 

GREAT SAVE!

Wolfsburg are tearing Manchester United apart on the break and a sliderule ball plays in Andre Schurrle but it's another fantastic save from David De Gea. United hanging on.

Raheem Sterling has another chance from close range... but again it's saved.

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The lines are now open for the 5 live football social. You can get in touch by calling 0500 909693. You can also text 85058 or tweet @5liveSport.

Mind you, not sure there's all that much to talk about tonight.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"You question what David De Gea was doing there in the first place but he certainly made up for it with the save!"

GREAT SAVE!

Getty Images

What's David De Gea doing here? He comes charging out to try and cut out Dante's raking ball forward, but thinks better of it and races back to goal. In the meantime, Andre Schurrle's looping ball is about to drop in before it is slam-dunked from the evening sky into the turf and it rolls out of play. Great, great save.

Getty Images

The Reds go close again... this time Juan Mata, who is offside, is inches away from turning in at the far post. Less than half an hour left now.

SUBSTITUTION

Kevin de Bruyne and Fabian Delph off, Wilfried Bony and Jesus Navas on.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's a good save by Diego Benaglio - and again Marouane Fellaini was important with the knock down. This is good pressure though, from Manchester United. 

"This is what you want to see with less than half an hour left on the clock. They are probing."

CLOSE!

Got to score... there's millions riding on it. Potentially more millions than it took to prise Memphis Depay from PSV.

But Memphis fluffs his lines and his acrobatic volley is straight at the keeper from close range.

Elsewhere in Europe

Reuters

Once Cristiano Ronaldo gets going, he just does not let up does he? 

Having scored an 11-minute hat-trick either side of half-time, the Real Madrid man now adds a fourth to Karim Benzema's opening double. Malmo are the unfortunate souls on the end of all this. 

They are bottom, Madrid have already won the group. But why not sign off with a flourish?

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid now lead Benfica 2-0 in a game that decides who finishes top of Group C, and who finishes second.

Raheem Sterling cannot turn home from three yards as he pounces on an underhit chest back to the Borussia keeper. David Silva now from 12 yards, straight at Yann Sommer. 

Still they look good in this period but Manuel Pellegrini is about to send Jesus Navas and Wilfried Bony on. Does he need to change it? His side are running the show and an equaliser is coming it seems.

Wolfsburg switch the ball from flank to flank ridiculously well. It's certainly stretching Manchester United, who are not the strongest at full-back as it is.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is trying to get Manchester United going down the right and he tries the overlap with Memphis Depay but the ball is put out of play and the attack breaks down.

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Of course there are bigger issues at play here... but Bastian Schweinsteiger is wearing gloves tonight. It's eight degrees. Discuss.

How Manchester United could do with CR7 now...

Do you reckon Cristiano could turn it round from this position? Probably yes.

Elsewhere in Europe

Why not pick up where you left off before the break? Cristiano Ronaldo adds his second and third to Karim Benzema's opening double as Real Madrid continue to run riot at home to Malmo.

Rafael Benitez's side have already qualified as Group A winners, but why not sign off in style against the bottom club?

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid lead Benfica 1-0 in a game that decides who finishes top of Group C, and who finishes second.

Getty Images

The big man is up to 10 in the Champions League this season - and this hat-trick was hit in just 11 minutes!

PENALTY APPEAL

A much better start to the second period by Manchester City and Aleksandar Kolarov sees a drive from 20 yards deflected wide. One-way traffic since the re-start and City look like a side who have maybe had a firm telling off at the break.

Kolarov is again advanced but his penalty appeal is waved away. Rightly so, great tackle by Nico Elvedi.

There is a lot more urgency about Manchester United now. Their defenders are taking less touches on the ball, but Wolfsburg realise this and are pressing hard trying to force a mistake which would lead to a potentially decisive third goal.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't think Manchester United have done a lot wrong tonight. David de Gea hasn't had much to do apart from picking the ball out of his net twice.

"I know it's an old cliché but the next goal is absolutely massive. If United can get it they are right back in this. But if it goes Wolfsburg's way, then it could well be game over."

Vote result

BBC

Earlier we asked whether you thought Louis van Gaal is the right man for Manchester United and it is not pleasant reading for the Dutchman, with 72% of you saying he isn't.

Can he turn this around, and win a few of you over, in the second half?

KICK-OFF

A big 45 minutes ahead for Manchester United.

Of course, if CSKA manage to score it all changes...

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Joby, Braintree: Have English teams gone backwards or has every other club team in Europe got better? 8 years ago English clubs dominated UCL?

Matt Salisbury: So all that money spent and Man Utd are 45mins away from a Champions League exit with a defence including two kids and a midfielder.

Brian Gillott: Well that was a disappointing half for Manutd. Again LVG proves he is not the strategist in he is supposed to be?  

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AP

The half-time chat on the BBC live text desk centres on that second Wolfsburg goal. Some claim it's the best goal they've seen this season. It's hard to argue.

A thing of beauty.

Before we go any further... a few of you clocked my 'deliberate' mistake.

For those who didn't, don't worry.

Basically, it's Jesse Lingard playing for Manchester United tonight. Not his long, lost brother Anders.

I'll get my coat.

Who is Borthwick-Jackson?

Getty Images

"Elegant on the ball but a strong tackler," is how the Manchester United website describes 18-year-old defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

Capable of playing across the back four and as a defensive midfielder, Borthwick-Johnson is highly rated by United's youth team coaches.

The England youth international made his debut for Louis van Gaal's side against West Brom last month.

Elsewhere in Europe

Half-time at the Bernabeu and it's all Real Madrid - Cristiano Ronaldo adding the third against Malmo with his eighth Champions League goal of the season. No Gareth Bale tonight - he's been rested. 

Madrid are already through as Group A winners, while Paris St-Germain are sure of second and drawing 0-0 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. As it stands, the Ukrainians will be going into the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are 1-0 up at Benfica in a match that decides who goes through as Group C winners, and who ends up in second.

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John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Such a shame for Manchester United to have that goal ruled out just before the break. But why the assistant referee did not flag initially I don't know - there was about a 20-second delay. 

"For me, if United could have just held onto their lead for a little bit longer, just enough time to get a feel for the game, they would have been OK. But the equaliser came quickly and Wolfsburg's second was a wonderful goal."

The officials are escorted from the pitch by a protesting Jesse Lingard.

I propose United get LvG and Fergie to do a WWE-style tag team at half-time and kick a few players into some kind of form.

HALF-TIME - Wolfsburg 2-1 Man Utd

Reuters

That was a very late call from the liner... but the right call. After, it appears, some words from the Wolfsburg defenders.

Juan Mata was clearly in the goalkeeper's eyeline.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Juan Mata is in an offside position and is interfering as well. He was standing in front of the goalkeeper, so that has to be ruled out." 

HALF-TIME

Reuters

Not the best night for City so far.

It was all going so well when David Silva fired them ahead, rounding off a great team move. 

Make no mistake though, Borussia Monchengladbach have been the more complete side and merit their lead. City to be group winners? Looks unlikely.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Reuters

Manchester United think they're level when Cameron Borthwick-Jackson wins the ball out on the left, lays the ball off to Jesse Lingard and the youngster curls a shot beyond the keeper from just outside the area.

However, it's ruled out... why? It appears to be because Juan Mata was offside.

It was a very late flag. Ryan Giggs is furious as he ticks off the linesman on the touchline.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Your debut in the Champions League? Fantastic. Go on son, get on there and show us what you can do." 

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

Who'd be a Manchester United full-back?! You're almost guaranteed to end up crocked. Matteo Darmian is the latest to be cursed, falling to the turf in agony. His night is over as he limps down the touchline.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is his replacement. "'Cameron who?!" I hear you cry. He's an England Under-19 international. Penny for Ashley Young's thoughts.

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Ross, Kent: Feed the Wolf and they will score!

Ryan, Gloucester: Man United to come back and win 5-2! You heard it here first!  

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GOAL - Man City 1-2 Borussia Monchengladbach

Getty Images

A scrappy goal but one which could be crucial to Manchester City's future.

They're desperate to finish top of their group to avoid one of the big boys in the last 16, but they've got a lot to do now.

The Germans drive at City through the middle and a shot is deflected out wide. It's put back into the box, stabbed goalwards and Raffael applies the finishing touch from 12 yards out.

Opta

A look at the average positions of both sides in the opening period shows how Yaya Toure (42) is being used deep by Manchester City.

In the battle of the deep midfielders though, he is playing second fiddle to Granit Xhaka (34).

The 23-year-old in Borussia's midfield has touched the ball 51 times, 12 more than Toure.

The more expansive setup by the away side is perhaps aiding their fluid passing. They have found options easier to come by.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Manchester United have given the ball away a few times now, and Wolfsburg have so many attack-minded players they are quick to pounce.

"It's a good save from David de Gea, but to put Wolfsburg 3-1 up? Just before half-time? That is such a big chance for Julian Draxler."

Getty Images

Manchester United don't deserve to go through at the moment. They give the ball away in midfield and Julian Draxler charges at them through the middle but his low shot is saved. All the while, Guillermo Varela was hopelessly slipping and sliding about the box like a reindeer on ice.

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What it means

Plain and simply... Manchester United are heading out unless they pull their finger out.

PSV and CSKA are still drawing, meaning the Dutch side will progress instead because of their better head-to-head record against LvG's boys.

Pass (x11), goal

That second Wolfsburg goal was a thing of beauty. The move started with keeper Diego Benaglio, who made that wonderful save from Marouane Fellaini seconds earlier remember, and 11 passes later the ball was nestled in the back of the United net.

Va va voom.

Opta

Elsewhere in Europe

That's two now for Karim Benzema and Real Madrid at home to Malmo - and the French striker's fourth goal in two games.

The Spanish giants have already booked their place in the knockout rounds with top spot, while Malmo look certain to finish bottom. 

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have taken the lead away to Benfica in a match that will decide who tops Group C - both of those are already qualified too. 

I don't think Boris Becker can see into the future and this tweet is from earlier... but it's good to know the big man has been watching.

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Manchester City manage to string a few passes together and Raheem Sterling has a pop from 25 yards, a few feet over. 

Remember, City must win and hope Juventus lose if they are to top Group D.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"Jullian Draxler had been quiet until now, but this is world class. Everyone thought he was going to shoot but he has such great vision to square the ball across for a tap-in."

GOAL - Wolfsburg 2-1 Man Utd

Getty Images

That is a sensational goal. Simply sensational.

Wolfsburg switch play from right to left with what initially looks like a Hollywood ball. Andre Schurrle is the recipient and he takes advantage of Guillermo Varela's slip to pass to Julian Draxler.

Then it gets good... the young German glides past three defenders, plays a one-two and then unselfishly lays the ball into the path of Vieirinha to sweep into an empty net.

Beautiful. The type of goal which, if you scored on a computer, you'd film and send to your mates.

In the opening 28 minutes, Borussia Monchengladbach have played 223 passes to 118 by Manchester City.

Despite being expected to start behind a lone striker, Yaya Toure is City's deepest midfielder and has played more passes than anyone else in his side.

Have no doubt though, the better football is being played by the away side and their passing has looked likely to deliver end product.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Excellent delivery from Daley Blind and for me that is more a fantastic save than a bad miss. Diego Benaglio does brilliantly to claw the ball out." 

GREAT SAVE!

How can anyone fail to mark Marouane Fellaini? Wolfsburg don't and almost pay the price, but a powerful header from six yards is instinctively saved low down by Diego Benaglio.

Manchester City's visitors (I can't spell that wrong!) are having a good go here, and they should do better with a free-kick from 35 yards out. City manage to clear it and break but Kevin De Bruyne's cutback is easily dealt with.

Target the young full-back more?

If I was an opposition manager and saw young right-back Guillermo Varela's name on the Manchester United team-sheet, I'd be telling my lads to get at him. Not Wolfsburg boss Dieter Hecking. Or if he has then his players aren't listening, preferring to attack down the middle or the right flank instead.

Opta

Wolfsburg are the ones on the front foot here: the Brendon McCullum of Champions League football, if you will. They might score six tonight, or give it all away with their lack of defence.

Vieirinha is the latest to have a pop, but his deflected shot doesn't have enough pace on it and is easily dealt with.

Clinical finishing

There have been two shots on target in this game. And, as you know, two goals. As our graphic shows, Anthony Martial's finish from a tight angle was the first, followed by Naldo's near-post finish.

Opta

That lively start has fired up the crowd inside the Volkswagen Arena. The home side are passing the ball about well - plenty of Hollywood balls though, it must be said.

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Elsewhere in Europe

Karim Benzema has fired Real Madrid in front at home to Malmo. 

Rafael Benitez's side have already qualified as group winners, but bottom-club Malmo of Sweden could still sneak into the Europa League.... 

Over in Group C it's still goalless between Benfica and Atletico Madrid. Both of those are already through, too, but Atletico can finish top with a win in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

What does it all mean?

Four goals in the first 20 minutes... it's all been a bit hectic, hasn't it?

But it also all remains the same. As it stands, Manchester United are going through because CSKA are holding PSV while Juventus remain in top spot in Manchester City's group.

SUBSTITUTION

Big blow here for Wolfsburg. Marauding Switzerland left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, their set-piece taker and the man who teed up Naldo's equaliser, is going off with injury. On comes Marcel Schafer. Will that hamper the hosts defensively? And blunt their attacking threat? Manchester United will hope so.

GOAL - Man City 1-1 Borussia Monchengladbach

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Jab and counter jab, as the German side hit back instantly.

It's neat and tidy in midfield and Fabian Johnson gets the chance to run into the area, his cut-back deflects into the path of Julian Korb who rifles in right footed from 12 yards. Low across Joe Hart, a well-worked and well-finished goal.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

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"They really needed to hang onto that lead, Manchester United. Another four or five minutes just to get into the game. 

"But Naldo, the centre-back, finishes like a striker. It looks like he got a run on Daley Blind from the free-kick." 

GOAL - Man City 1-0 Borussia Monchengladbach

Getty Images

Pick this out. A team goal and a joyous one.

Raheem Sterling receives a pass on the angle of the area and looks for space, back-heeling into the path of David Silva who races in from a tight angle and elects to shoot. It's, high, powerful and too good, rippling into the roof of the net.

It's Silva's first goal since the opening weekend of the season.

GOAL - Wolfsburg 1-1 Man Utd

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Naldo has had Manchester United for dinner here.

What a finish from the Wolfsburg captain, who gets in front of his marker to connect with a free-kick into the box from Ricardo Rodriguez and bury a powerful shot from 12 yards.

Not great defending.

Opta

Manchester City breathed an early sigh of relief when Julian Korb fired over (pictured). He broke the offside trap as the home back four was a little all over the shop.

City look like they are operating a front three, with Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva switching positions. Yaya Toure is making up a midfield three with Fabian Delph and Fernandinho.

The opening 11 minutes see City have around 33% of the ball. Not vintage just yet.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

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"We said Juan Mata was going to be a big player tonight, and he has done fantastically well here, sliding a brilliant ball through to Anthony Martial. 

"That's Martial's first goal in 10 games - and what a big one for the young French striker. How quickly things can change. Andre Schurrle missed a glorious chance for Wolfsburg just minutes before."

GOAL - Wolfsburg 0-1 Man Utd

Getty Images

When he can finish like that, you wonder what's been the problem withAnthony Martial.

A goal of high-quality from Manchester United... Juan Mata sliding the ball through the eye of a needle and taking out three defenders. Martial times his run to perfection, takes one touch and his second lashes it beyond the keeper.

That'll settle any nerves.

This graphic shows how simple Andre Schurrle's early chance was. The Wolfsburg forward (17) was left unmarked in a central position near the penalty spot. But he fluffed his lines.

Opta

Manchester City fans just don't see eye to eye with Uefa...

Rex Features

The referee for tonight's game is wearing a black kit with blue socks. It's like he's raided the lost property box at school. I can't confirm if he's wearing dodgy pumps or not.

Back to more pressing matters... the visitors are having a lot of the ball early on. Far too much if you're of a Manchester United persuasion.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"This is a really tough one for Manchester United, but what a challenge it is. These are the challenges you want as a footballer - the chance to show everyone you are capable of rising to the occasion.

"Louis van Gaal's team isn't full of world class players but there is enough ability to win this game."

Get Involved

Mark Scott: Tactically, Louis van Gaal has not shown he can win a game like this. Manchester United have not forced a result for a long time.

Jon: Nervous night ahead but think we'll sneak through, either a 1-0 win or two draws to put us in the next round #MUFC.

Nathan: This could be the turning point in United's season - win or lose... We need this win, and a good performance badly.

You can tweet us on #bbcfootball, text on 81111 in the UK only (please include a name) or post on the MOTD Facebook page.

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Jesse Lingard was sleeping. He has to track the runner! All Andre Schurrle had to do was keep his shot down, but he blazed it over. 

"Lingard has simply got to track back and help his defenders out."

CLOSE (or should be)!

A good chance for Wolfsburg to go ahead early on. Full-back Guillermo Varela is dragged inside and the ball lands perfectly at the feet of Andre Schurrle but the ex-Chelsea forward casually leans back into his shot and natural physics take over.

Over the bar. Poor finishing.

Cards on the table... the lazy live text commentator in me wanted to refer to City's visitors tonight as 'Gladbach'. My boss over-ruled me.

Good start so far from Borussia M...

It looks like Guillermo Varela is at right-back for Manchester United tonight. I'm reliably informed he is not the best defensively but excellent going forward.

Let's see if that's the case.

KICK-OFF

As if Manchester United weren't under enough pressure.

We're under way...

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KICK-OFF

We're under way at the Etihad.

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The players emerge from a tunnel which is lit up in neon green. Like a stale 90s nightclub. The arena they walk into, mind, is impressive.

A cacophony of noise as the players emerge.

Here we go then. There's countless millions of pounds and reputations potentially riding on the next 90 minutes for Manchester United.

Man Utd, or Wimbledon?

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"Manchester United have to go and perform. This is a big night for Memphis Depay.

"Marouane Fellaini isn't a bad ploy because you know he'll make a nuisance of himself and Anthony Marital can get around him. It's a style of play you might associate more with Wimbledon, rather than United, but it is effective."

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Into the Wolves' den

#bbcfootball

No excuses - Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, speaking to BT Sport ahead of kick-off, on the importance of tonight's match: "You don't have an excuse anymore, you have to win - that's what I'll tell the players. It's logic."

On full-back Guillermo Varela making his first Red Devils start: "We have problems in this position because all our full-backs are injured so we have to look and compare players. In the end I give confidence to a very young player. It could have been Ashley Young but I have chosen Varela because he did well when he came in against West Ham."

On Anthony Martial feeling the burden of United's scoring responsibility: "You don't have to lay all the responsibility of scoring goals on a striker. We have 11 players. David de Gea can't score but all the others can score. In our way of playing all the other players have chances to score."

Blues won't retreat

Hands up who expected Manchester City to be played off the park by Stoke last weekend? No, me neither. But it happened.

I like Manuel Pellegrini's style though. Rather than panic, he says he won't be reining in his side's attacking tendencies.

"Maybe you can defend better with eight or nine players near our box but it is not the way we play," he said. "We have bad games, as every team do, but we must continue not to change the style and try not to make so many mistakes."

Is LvG the man for United?

Is Louis van Gaal the right man for the job at Old Trafford?

Ahmet: Amazing LvG has spent £250m & the bench looks as strong as Yeovil's.

Alex Mulcrow: No. His style of football doesn't work in the Premier League.

Shane Daly: We United fans are happy, it is everyone else who is telling us that we are not. But we are.

You can tweet us on #bbcfootball, text on 81111 in the UK only (please include a name) or post on the MOTD Facebook page.

How's stat?!

Rex Features

Manchester United fans might want a few more good omens ahead of tonight's game.

Well, their Under-19s team have already beaten Wolfsburg 2-0 today.

Want another one? OK, as coach of Bayern Munich, Louis van Gaal was unbeaten in four encounters with Wolfsburg, winning three of them. 

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If Wolfsburg were to win tonight, they will reverse a trend which has seen them lose their last seven meetings with English sides in Europe (Man Utd, Fulham and Everton).

Maybe United should have signed Fulham's 2010 heroes Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff for tonight's tie?

I'm only half joking.

'Fredoom & flair is what United lack'

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

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"If the next Manchester United manager is going to be Ryan Giggs, who was coached under Louis van Gaal, what will he bring that is different?  Will the next manager give the lads more freedom and flair to go out and play? To play what you see, take responsibility on the pitch, to come out of your zones and show you are a good player, express yourself?

"That is what Manchester United is famous for – players who make things happen. Right now they look like they are playing under orders."

Is LvG the man for United?

Is Louis van Gaal the right man for the job at Old Trafford?

Paul Jones: £230m spent and name me one player from those signings that would get in any other team! Slow, turgid, boring football. If you put the goalposts at the halfway line we'd be unbeatable with LvG.   

Keith: So Man Utd are fourth in the Premier League with fifth- best goal difference and three points from top.If they win tonight they qualify top of the group. Man U fans should be happy. 

You can tweet us on #bbcfootball, text on 81111 in the UK only (please include a name) or post on the MOTD Facebook page.

You're shooting that way, lads...

.

Exploit low confidence

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Former Wolfsburg and Nigeria striker Jonathan Akpoborie on BBC World Service: "Wolfsburg are playing at home against a side who cannot really find their scoring boots right now. 

"Over the weekend though Wolfsburg lost to Dortmund at home which could be something United could exploit. 

"They have what it takes to beat United. United are solid and it will be a very difficult game, low scoring. I don't think it will be boring though, as Wolfsburg can be exciting up front."

Plenty of brain

BBC Sport

Xhaka has a bit of an edge to him though, he's been sent off twice in the Bundesliga this season.

'Fancy a trip round the markets?'

I imagine there'll be a few visiting fans at the Etihad tonight - if only because I saw quite a few Borussia Monchengladbach supporters having a walk round the German-style Christmas markets in Manchester last night.

It got me thinking... if you were from Germany, would you really want to go and visit some German markets?

There's a touch of the busman's holiday about it all. Surely?

BBC

Elsewhere...

Of course, it's not all about the Champions League tonight.

Not if you're a fan of Dumbarton, who host Alloa in the third round of the Scottish Cup this evening. 

Or perhaps you're frequenting the Moss Rose tonight for Macclesfield v Eastleigh. Gateshead also host Southport in the National League.

If you're going to any of those three games, I applaud you.

Feel free to send me a selfie/picture of a burger and we'll do our best to tip our hat in your direction.

'Martial low on confidence'

John Hartson

Former Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 live

"He's not been at his best, Anthony Martial. But when you're scoring goals you are confident, and when you're not you really do show it. 

"It really will be interesting to see if United can create good chances for Martial tonight. In recent games, there hasn't been a lot coming through from midfield for him."

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One in 841

Anthony Martial has only managed to score one Champions League goal in the 841 minutes that he has featured in. Surely that will worry Manchester United fans?

Tonight is the night to turn it all around though.

'United will have a problem tonight'

BBC Radio 5 Live

German journalist Thomas Hiete of Kicker magazine: "Wolfsburg will not be as offensive as they are normally, they will look to see what Manchester United do. I am sure they will deal with what United throw at them.

"It's very surprising here in Germany that United are not scoring goals but they are in a good position still, and the Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking told us that we should be careful to say it’s a bad team.

"Wolfsburg think United are very strong, but when you see the line-up you think: 'Hmmm'. I think United will have a problem tonight."

On this day in 2009...

It's only six years ago that Manchester United played the same opponents, in the same stadium, on the same date... and won.

All thanks to a Michael Owen hat-trick.

But check out their team that day below. Darron Gibson marshalling the midfield? Darren Fletcher at centre-back? Anderson flying down the wing?

It's all there, folks.

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Goal-shy United

#bbcfootball

'Elimination brings massive pressure on Van Gaal'

BBC Radio 5 Live

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen: "Going out at the group stage would be a massive disappointment after not taking part last year.

"And if that happens then the pressure on Louis van Gaal will undoubtedly increase, because that’s not what everyone expects – it’s not what he expects himself.

"Over the last few weeks when I've seen United play there’s still plenty of quality there, but they lack a cutting edge and there is no freedom at times in the attacking third. 

"They would be in a completely different position if they had converted the chances they had against PSV two weeks ago."

Listen live

BBC Radio 5 Live

Just a reminder for those just joining us, tonight's game in Germany will be on BBC Radio 5 live.

Perfect if you're at your kids' Christmas concert or something similar. Just remember to plug in the earphones before you press play.

After all, Alan Green's never featured in any Nativity I've been to.

Is LvG the man for United?

Is Louis van Gaal the right man for the job at Old Trafford?

Joe Wedgwood: Anti-LvG sentiment is utter nonsense from fickle 'fans'! Sir Alex was NOT always brilliant and was famously poor pre-Christmas!

Liam Nield: Does anyone remember how good we looked from the Spurs match last season until the Chelsea match? Form is temporary.

Greg Randles: LvG has steadied the ship, we've stopped leaking goals, two more world class signings and a bit of time and we'll be there. 

You can tweet us on #bbcfootball, text on 81111 in the UK only (please include a name) or post on the MOTD Facebook page.

That's not a jacket, this is a jacket...

Getty Images

Level on points?

Goal difference or head-to-head record?

Thankfully, the Uefa Champions League handbook has all the answers.

The key detail comes very early in the piece....

17.01 If two or more teams are equal on points on completion of the group matches, the following criteria are applied in the order given to determine their rankings:

a. higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question;

b. superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question;

c. higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question.

The list of criteria goes on for quite some time.

Wolfsburg team news

Getty Images

Wolfsburg,who know they will reach the knockout phase for the first time with a draw, make two changes from Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Borussia Dortmund.

Brazil centre-back Dantereplaces Timm Klose, while Christian Traschstarts at right-back instead of Daniel Caligiuri. Former Arsenal strikerNicklas Bendtneris named on the bench.

Wolfsburg starting XI:Benaglio, Trasch, Naldo, Dante, Rodriguez, Arnold, Guilavogui, Vieirinha, Kruse, Draxler, Schurrle.

Is LvG the man for United?

Is Louis van Gaal the right man for the job at Old Trafford?

Garry McCammon: Man Utd were hardly scintillating in Fergie's last few seasons. Not at their best right now but sacking LvG would be stupid.

Vinodh Natarajan: Ancelotti in, LVG out. Man U need someone who can fit their philosophy to the available players.

Shohaib: I think LvG should stay as it's too early to judge him. He's spent a lot but he's brought in young, fresh talent.

You can tweet us on #bbcfootball, text on 81111 in the UK only (please include a name) or post on the MOTD Facebook page.

'Who wants a Bony?'

BBC Radio 5 Live

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, two Manchester United fans are giving their thoughts on what's going wrong at Old Trafford. One of them has really let loose. 

Chris says: "I agree that we are not scoring goals but the play has been what Louis van Gaal wanted. The problem is, he just hasn’t got his scorer.

"Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay are learning their trade, you cannot expect them to carry the team. The biggest problem is Wayne Rooney.

"At the beginning of the season, Van Gaal thought he would get 25 goals from Rooney, but for whatever reason, he has disappointed.

"There’s been names linked with the team in the papers but the problem is, they are big names, the best, and clubs won’t let them go. Thomas Muller, Neymar, Gareth Bale.

"Who wants a Wilfred Bony? Van Gaal is prepared to wait. He thought his team would still get the goals, but has been let down."

Team news

BBC

Yaya Toure is back in the Manchester City side after missing the defeat to Stoke on Saturday.

What does Wilfried Bony's place on the bench say of the faith Manuel Pellegrini has in him? No Sergio Aguero and still the ex-Swansea striker does not start.

Borussia Monchengladbach, fresh from a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich over the weekend, are unchanged. Watch out for Brazilian Raffael - their top scorer in the league this season.

Champions League permutations

EPA

If, like me, you're struggling to remember what happened last weekend, you might find our Champions League permutations piece useful.

It's all there, in black and white, what each side has to do tonight.

Other than Manchester United's group, most qualification issues are boxed off.

It's just a case of who finishes first and second. All eyes on the Red Devils then, and this handy graphic is a perfect beer mat for the evening.

BBC

Talking all things Man Utd

BBC Radio 5 Live

But don't wait until 19:45 to tune into the radio... why not train your ears to the wireless now? Dan Walker and the team are discussing Manchester United's current problems, their lack of goals and the form of Anthony Martial.

Oh... and the small matter of Louis van Gaal's future. If, indeed, he has one at Old Trafford!

Listen to all the action

BBC Radio 5 Live

Struggling to watch the football tonight?

Perhaps you've decided to watch The Great Pottery Throwdown on BBC Two tonight instead? After all, Stoke seem to be the most fashionable team in the Premier League these days.

Or perhaps, like in my household, your Christmas tree lights have gone kaput and you need to strip the tree before putting news ones on. Not good.

Whatever your reasons for not watching the game, it's fine: you can listen to Manchester United's game in Germany on BBC Radio 5 live or through this very page.

No excuses, basically.

Vote now

Getty Images

Get Involved

Here's one for you: you can walk into a certain bookmaker, which shall remain nameless, and be given odds of 5-4 on Louis van Gaal to be sacked before the weekend.

Or 12-1 on both the Dutchman and Jose Mourinho leaving before their side's next Premier League game.

So, tonight we're asking you if Louis van Gaal is the right man for the job at Old Trafford? You can vote via this page, or join in the debate on Twitter using #bbcfootball, send a text with your name on it to 81111 or post to the BBC Sport Facebook page.

And don't just say yes or no... we want to know who should replace LvG were he to leave his post. Or, if you prefer, send us your reasons for keeping the ex-Bayern and Barcelona manager.

Man Utd team news

#bbcfootball

This is how Manchester United will line up in Wolfsburg. But there are not many familiar names on the bench if they need a boost.

Young midfielder Nick Powell, who has not played for the Red Devils since the 4-0 defeat at MK Dons last season, is among the substitutes.

Not forgetting the blue half of Manchester

AP

As you might have just seen with the team news below, it's not just Manchester United in action tonight.

If Manchester City want to avoid what seems to be their obligatory last-16 tie with Barcelona, they need to win against Borussia Monchengladbach at the Etihad and hope Sevilla get the better of Juventus.

Stranger things have happened, I suppose. We'll be across that game too.

Team news

Reuters

Manchecter City - criticised for their defensive display in defeat at Stoke on Saturday - change two of their back four as Bacary Sagna moves to the bench and Martin Demichelis is left out through injury.

Man City XI: Hart, Clichy, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov, Toure (C), Fernandinho, Delph, Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling.

Release the forward, Louis

It's crunch time in the Champions League for Manchester United. If they don't beat Wolfsburg tonight, it's likely to be curtains for another season.

And with it, trips to far-flung corners of the continent in the Europa League.

LvG has a decision to make: does he want to be sat in the plush seats of the Nou Camp next spring, or making do with a trip to Midtjylland's MCH Arena.

It's likely to be the latter if he doesn't go all Mary Mary and throw those shackles off.

Man Utd starting XI

The Manchester United team sheet has already been handed in. Young Uruguayan defender Guillermo Varela makes his first Red Devils start at right-back, while Dutch forward Memphis Depay returns to the starting line-up.

Manchester United XI: De Gea, Varela, Smalling, Blind, Darmian, Fellaini, Schweinsteiger, Lingard, Mata, Memphis, Martial.

Attack, attack, attack

Reuters

And that was only a little more than three months ago.

Fast forward to the here and now, and Manchester United are facing a battle to score even one goal.

They are clinging on to their Champions League status and the only thing seemingly more unpopular than Liverpool FC on the red half of Manchester is Louis van Gaal.

His side just need a goal. Any goal - even if it goes in off the manager's clipboard.

Then the pressure might be alleviated. A little.

Evening!

Reuter

The last time Manchester United scored more than one goal in a European game, Brendan Rodgers was still the manager of Liverpool, England were yet to be eliminated from the Rugby World Cup and you'd get laughed out of the bookies if you put a bet on Gary Neville being the next manager of a La Liga giant...