Manchester United’s involvement in this season’s Champions League remains in the balance after they were held to a goalless draw at home to PSV.
United headed into their penultimate Group B fixture knowing three points would secure a last-16 spot, yet now likely need a win at leaders Wolfsburg on December 8 to progress following Wednesday’s disappointing stalemate.
Louis van Gaal, perhaps keen to avoid heading to Germany requiring a victory, named an attacking United line-up featuring former PSV star Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in a four-man attack.
The quartet’s fluidity caused plenty of problems for PSV early on, although the home side failed to break the deadlock in the first half as Martial missed two good opportunities.
United’s frustration only mounted in the early part of the second period as they struggled against the Eredivisie outfit’s resolute backline.
And the visitors’ resilience paid dividends, with a point meaning PSV will progress if they overcome CSKA Moscow at home and Van Gaal’s men fail to beat Wolfsburg.
The game featured a poignant moment in the seventh minute as supporters displayed mobile-phone lights in a tribute to United legend George Best, who died 10 years ago to the day.