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COMMENT: The Blues are not yet the finished article and have one or two issues of their own, but their situation is far, far rosier than that of their local rivals

Is this the night City surpassed United as the top club in Manchester? Some may argue that has been the case for some time now. Some, perhaps those few at Old Trafford who are still happy with Louis van Gaal's management, may argue it will never be possible given the Reds' trophy haul. But the prevailing feeling, after this topsy turvy night for British football, is that City are the major players now.

While City are by no means the finished article, you can't help but feel that, with top spot in their Champions League group assured, they are the club heading in the right direction.

As United reflect on their dramatic and premature exit from Europe's top club competition, as the fans vent their fury at this latest set-back, as the army of former players line up to criticise Van Gaal's philosophy, City can look forward to the draw for the last-16 in a better position than they ever have been after six group games.

They were far from perfect on the night, but the Gods smiled on City and, with 10 minutes left, they rallied from a losing position at 2-1 down to score three times in four minutes. More importantly, Sevilla took the lead against Juventus - Fernando Llorente, would you believe, scoring against his former club - and would hold on for a victory that put the Spanish side in the Europa League and City, implausibly, top. This was almost unprecedented luck; very untypical City.

That was the kind of thing that would happen to United once upon a time, a club that so often made their own luck. But Van Gaal's side bottomed out; having taken the lead, they quickly conceded and then fell behind. Jesse Lingard thought he had scored, and celebrated as such, only to be denied by the linesman's flag because a team-mate had blocked the goalkeeper's line of sight. Even then, as the reds toiled, CSKA Moscow took the lead against PSV, also reduced to 10 men, meaning United would qualify even with a defeat. But oh how it all unravelled.

Off the pitch, too, it's clear City are the ones making waves. The state of the two clubs' academies is best illustrated by the fact that several former United men have sent their sons to City's youth set-up for their footballing education, while City's $400m deal with a Chinese consortium gives them a genuine chance of rivalling United's sway in the important Asian markets.

If the feeling is that United became complacent in their youth recruitment, it could be said that City's plan to invest in a state-backed $800bn plan to put Chinese football on the map will win the day over commercial partnerships with potato chip manufacturers in Malaysia.

City are the club - through their sister clubs around the world, their youth teams, their women's team, their infrastructure and their business deals - with the long-term plan. Even if the men's senior team are usually the ones letting the side down, nobody could argue that the future does not look bright for the Blues.

Similarly, few would argue that United's future is too rosy. There may well be money to spend on superstars - the Adidas shirt deal is eye-watering, and is boosted by the television kitty - but much has already been spent cleaning up the mess left behind by David Moyes, with little sign that it's been anywhere near enough.

City may not have had the most convincing of Champions League campaigns, and there are plenty of question marks over both the manager and the recent recruitment strategy, but they have topped the so-called group of death and can now aim to establish themselves as one of Europe's major players.

United, for all the money spent and behind-the-scenes faith in the current manager's philosophy, can only look on in envy.

•  

   

  Naldo's brace secures top spot in Group B for Die Wolfe, as Louis van Gaal's side are dealt an early elimination from the competition. It was a remarkable match at the Volkswagen Arena, with many twists in the tale, but in the end it is a deserving three points for Wolfsburg who are through to the knockout stage in impressive fashion.
• 90'+3'

   

  FULL TIME! WOLFSBURG 3-2 MANCHESTER UNITED.
• 90'+2'

   

  Yellow Card Guillermo Varela Olivera
  Wolfsburg get on the front foot with United stretched on the counter. Varela commits a foul near the byline, which awards Wolfsburg a free kick and sees the Uruguayan into the book. Meanwhile, full time has been reached in the Netherlands, meaning PSV are officially through. United need a miracle, and it's not going to happen for them.
• 90'

   

  There will be a minimum of three minutes added on at the end of this half, and United need to score twice!
• 88'

   

  SCHAFER THE HERO AGAIN! So unlucky for United! What a game this is proving to be! The visitors throw everyone forward and the ball comes to Smalling after a cross from Powell, but his sliding effort is blocked absolutely superbly by Schafer, who denies the Red Devils a sure goal!
• 86'

   

  UNITED NEED A MIRACLE! PSV have completed the turnaround in Eindhoven and now lead 2-1. As things stand, Manchester United would be out with a draw - they need to score twice!
• 85'

   

  SubstitutionJulian Draxler Daniel Caligiuri
  Substitution Julian Draxler Daniel Caligiuri
• 84'

   

  Assist Marcel Schäfer
  Like the man he replaced in Rodriguez, Schafer has an assist of his own now from a set piece!
• 84'

   

   

   

  Goal Ronaldo Aparecido Rodrigues
  WOLFSBURG RETAKE THE LEAD ALMOST STRIAGHT AWAY! This is absoltely remarkable! Schafer sends a corner into the area and Powell fails to make contact, allowing Naldo to meet it and send a thumping header past Blind who was providing cover at the post, but couldn't keep it out!
• 82'

   

   

   

  Own Goal Josuha Guilavogui
  HORRIBLE OWN GOAL AND UNITED ARE ON LEVEL TERMS! Unbelievable drama in Germany! Yet another twist in the plot here! Fellaini meets the corner wth a weak header, but it's nothing to trouble Benaglio. Guilavogui inexcusably tries to intervene, and sends a looping header over his keeper and into his own net!
• 81'

   

  BENAGLIO SPRUNG INTO ACTION! Great play from Memphis who makes a tidy run into the area and does well to get the ball out of his feet, nearly catching Benaglio cheating at his near post. They do have a corner, however.
• 80'

   

  Meanwhile, PSV have produced a near immediate response in Eindhoven and are back on level terms with CSKA. That means once again, Manchester United are heading out of the competition as things stand. The final 10 minutes in Group B promise to be full of drama!
• 78'

   

  SubstitutionAdelino André Vieira Freitas Timm Klose
  Second change for Wolfsburg and they bring on a third central defender in the form of Timm Klose. Vieirinha, whose goal stands as the winner at the moment, is the one to give way.
• 77'

   

  Chris Smalling appears to be struggling as he limps around in midfield. He can hardly make it back to defend as Wolfsburg get forward on the counter. The centre-half goes down and that is terrible news for the visitors who are out of substitutions!
• 75'

   

  BIG NEWS FROM EINDHOVEN! CSKA Moscow have taken the lead in the Netherlands from the penalty spot, which means regardless what happens here, both these teams would advance! Manchester United's supporters get wind of the goal and celebrate it as one of their own.
• 73'

   

  INCHES AWAY! The two Dutchman stand over the ball - Memphis and Blind. It is the former who takes, curling a powerful right-footed strike towards the far post, and it didn't miss by more than a whisker! Letoff for Wolfsburg!
• 72'

   

  Yellow Card Ronaldo Aparecido Rodrigues
  After a moment of deliberation, the referee reaches into his pocket and shows Naldo a yellow card, which means he will miss the next match provided Wolfsburg advance.
• 71'

   

  Immediate impact from Carrick! Delightful ball from the midfielder to pick out Martial, who is taken down on the very edge of the area by Naldo. What a chance promises to be for United!
• 69'

   

  SubstitutionBastian Schweinsteiger Michael Carrick
  The other change sees Michael Carrick replace Schweinsteiger.
• 69'

   

  SubstitutionJuan Manuel Mata García Nick Powell
  Double change for United in a last roll of the dice from Louis van Gaal. Juan Mata gives way to Nick Powell in the first.
• 68'

   

  De Gea makes another save to deny Arnold, with the German midfielder's shot swerving towards the top-left corner! The resulting corner falls to Kruse, after Naldo missed a header, but the striker leathers a low drive just shy of the right-hand upright! Very close to a third of the night for the home outfit!
• 67'

   

  BRILLIANT STOP FROM DE GEA! The Spain international is on hand to tip an effort from Schurrle over the crossbar, following a great through ball from Draxler! Hecking's side are creating problems on the break, with Man United needing to commit players forward in order to claw back an equaliser. Tough times for the Red Devils.
• 65'

   

  Less than half an hour remains in Germany, with Man United looking as though they might be heading into the Europa League at this rate! Van Gaal's side have all of the momentum and are creating dangerous opportunities, but Benaglio is standing firm in between the hosts' posts.
• 63'

   

  Great save from De Gea! The former Atletico goalkeeper comes racing off his line to deny a long Dante through ball! The Spain international doesn't manage to clear his lines completely, with Schurrle trying to send a long-range, looping shot over the out-of-position shot-stopper! Fortunately for Van Gaal's side, his goalkeeper palms away a strong save while retreating! 
• 61'

   

  Two chances in quick succession for Man United! Martial cuts back a good cross, which Fellaini heads back across goal! Memphis tries to polish off an acrobatic close-range finish, but Benaglio makes a top save! Moments later, Blind takes a corner short, before Mata is picked out at the back post! The Spaniard can't make contact with the delivery, however!
• 59'

   

  Yellow Card André Schürrle
  Wolfsburg's ex-Chelsea winger gets a caution that he must live with for the final half an hour.
• 58'

   

  As we approach the hour mark it is still scoreless in the other Group B match in Eindhoven. Should that result stand, a draw would be enough for both teams in this match to advance, however, it would also see United out if they are unable to salvage at least a point.
• 56'

   

  Important piece of defending from Schafer who turns Lingard's cross behind for a corner. Wolfsburg have been dropping deeper off the ball and are starting to invite a bit of pressure, but for the time being they are dealing with it soundly.
• 54'

   

  STAT: Manchester United have only lost once in their previous six visits to Germany in the Champions League group stages (W3 D2); scoring eight goals over their most recent two visits.
• 52'

   

  United have appeared very flat since the restart. Memphis has been their liveliest outlet in attack and is starting to grow into the game along the left, but he's been relatively lacking in options when they do get forward. They need to up the tempo because at the moment they are heading out of the competition.
• 50'

   

  As a result of injuries, Louis van Gaal doesn't have much in terms of reinforcements off the bench. United could really use someone like Michael Carrick, however, who is amongst the substitutes. They need his positive play and forward passing in midfield, because there has not been enough of that up to this point from Fellaini and Schweinsteiger.
• 48'

   

  Fantastic from Memphis! He works his tail off to pressure Naldo near the byline, win the ball back for his side and try and square it for Martial. Arnold reads it well to clear the danger, however, but it doesn't matter as another very late whistle awards Wolfsburg a free kick! The referee didn't see his assistant behind the goal call for a foul on Memphis against Naldo.
• 46'

   

  Back underway in Germany! As it stands, Wolfsburg would go through as group winners with PSV in second, sending Manchester United to the Europa League.
•  

   

  HALF TIME! WOLFSBURG 2-1 MANCHESTER UNITED. Anthony Martial's opener erased by the hosts who battled back to take the lead through Naldo and Vieirinha. The Red Devils appeared to equalise in the dying minutes of the half, but a late offside flag denied them a second, and they have their work cut out for them as a result in the final 45 minutes.
• 45'

   

  GOAL NOT GIVEN! Incredible! United celebrate equalising as Lingard curls a shot in from atop the area, into the far corner. It's unclear whether or not Mata got a touch on it, but regardless, he was blocking Benaglio's view and even if he didn't deflect it, he certainly threatened to which threw off the keeper. It is the right decision in the end, but I don't think I've ever seen such a late flag.
• 43'

   

  SubstitutionMatteo Darmian Cameron Borthwick-Jackson
  Surprising from Van Gaal as he opts to send on teenager Cameron Borthwick-Jackson instead of Ashley Young! The defender is making just his second Manchester United appearance!
• 41'

   

  Worrying moments for United, who can hardly afford another injury. Darmian has pulled up and is in need of medical attention, before limping off with the help of one of the trainers. Ashley Young could be called upon shortly to replace him, should the Italian be unable to continue.
• 39'

   

  DE GEA RESCUES UNITED! That could well have put an end to the Red Devils' hopes! The visitors concede possession in midfield and Wolfsburg break quickly, with Draxler being played through into the area. He shows great feet to cut back onto his right, but De Gea reacts brilliantly to turns his shot aside before Smalling scrambles clear.
• 37'

   

  VITAL FROM BLIND! The Dutchman has been United's best defender up to this point and he sprints across to put in a crucial tackle, sending Schurrle's attempted pullback behind after the German was picked out in acres of space on the left.
• 35'

   

  STAT: Only one of Wolfsburg's 11 Champions League games has ended in a draw (0-0 v Besiktas in October 2009). They have won five and lost five.
• 33'

   

  United continue to pose a threat going forward, but Wolfsburg are doing just enough to keep them out. The visitors have a good width about them in attack, but it is just the final ball that has eluded them on occasion.
• 31'

   

  It started so well for Manchester United, but it has all gone horribly wrong since. Dieter Hecking leads the applause as the Volkswagen Arena comes to life yet again, while Louis van Gaal is left with work to do on the visiting touchline.
• 29'

   

  Assist Julian Draxler
  That was all made possible by the work and assist from Julian Draxler. The run, the one-two with Kruse and the final pullback for Vieirinha.
• 29'

   

   

   

  Goal Adelino André Vieira Freitas
  OH MY WORD WAS THAT EVER SPECIAL! Schurrle comes inside and switches play for Draxler. The midfielder makes a penetrating run into the centre and works a spectacular one-two atop the area with Kruse to get through on goal. He has De Gea at his mercy but unselfishly squares for Vieirinha who is able to roll a finish into an empty net!
• 28'

   

  MASSIVE CHANCE! Blind floats a terrific cross into the area, placing the ball on the head of Fellaini, who sees his header miraculously saved on the line by Benaglio before Wolfsburg scramble clear their lines!
• 26'

   

  No nonsense defending from Arnold! Good movement in attack as play is switched twice by United. Darmian gets on the end of the move and sends a threatening cross in. Lingard heads it back into the dangerous area, but Arnold is waiting there to usher ir behind.
• 24'

   

  Impressive work from Martial, who has done everything Van Gaal could have hoped for up to this point. The young striker hasn't lacked in confidence and is finding some good pockets of space in the final third, while linking up well with the likes of Mata and Memphis.
• 22'

   

  STAT: Manchester Utd have won only one of their last nine away games in the Champions League (5-0 v Leverkusen, November 2013), drawing four and losing four.
• 20'

   

  Wolfsburg continue to grow in stature. They do appear the more comfortable side in possession, though it is the Red Devils who have offered the greatest threat when they get forward. One thing we know for sure is these two teams are certainly going for all three points, neither willing to settle for a draw.
• 18'

   

  Wolfsburg miss the presence of Rodriguez from that free kick, as Arnold takes instead, but a bit of miscommunication sees his delivery elude his target men in the middle and run behind for a goal kick.
• 17'

   

  Yellow Card Matteo Darmian
  Vieirinha gambles in pressing high up the pitch and he puts Darmian under great pressure. The Italian concedes possession and is forced into a cynical challenge which awards the hosts a free kick in a very similar position to which they scored from moments ago.
• 16'

   

  SubstitutionRicardo Rodriguez Marcel Schäfer
  Well this is a blow for Wolfsburg! It's not clear exactly how the Swiss defender injured himself, but he is unable to carry on here and will be replaced by Marcel Schafer.
• 15'

   

  BACK COME UNITED! There is an incredible pace to this match through the opening 15 minutes. Memphis sprints forward on a penetrating run and rolls Martial through on the left, but the Frenchman's subsequent cross just evades Mata.
• 13'

   

  Assist Ricardo Rodriguez
  Rodriguez is always a threat from set pieces and he shows just why there, sending a flat, inviting delivery straight into the area to pick out the towering centre-half.
• 13'

   

   

   

  Goal Ronaldo Aparecido Rodrigues
  INCREDIBLE RESPONSE FROM WOLFSBURG! From the ensuing free kick, Ricardo Rodriguez curls in a stunning delivery towards the near post and Naldo meets it with a volley, which nestles into the back of the net beyond the reach of De Gea!
• 12'

   

  That will certainly fill Manchester United with confidence. But Wolfsburg have responded appropriately as they get back on the front foot in search of a quick equaliser, and they win a free kick with Daley Blind penalised for a foul.
• 10'

   

  Assist Juan Manuel Mata García
  The ball through from Mata to spot the run of Martial was superb, finding the smallest of gaps between Naldo and Trasch.
• 10'

   

   

   

  Goal Anthony Martial
  UNITED OPEN THE SCORING INSIDE 10 MINUTES! It is a massive goal for the Red Devils, and a slump-buster for Anthony Martial. Mata plays him through on goal and the Frenchman makes no mistake in poking a finish beyond Diego Benaglio and in at the far post! For the time being, it takes United into first place in Group B.
• 9'

   

  STAT ATTACK: Wolfsburg have lost their last seven meetings with English clubs in Europe, as well as all three of their previous clashes with Manchester United in the Champions League.
• 7'

   

  What will encourage Van Gaal is how his team have defended up to this point. With the exception of the chance falling to Schurrle, the Premier League club have remained calm and composed at the back, affording Wolfsburg little space with which to exploit.
• 5'

   

  Wolfsburg have enjoyed plenty of possession early on, certainly settling in better than United. The visitors have yet to get their legs under them and nerves appear to be plaguing them in these opening minutes. Van Gaal told his players there are no excuses tonight, and challenged them to prove their Champions League quality - but this slow start is not what he had in mind.
• 3'

   

  WHAT A CHANCE! The first chance of the match falls to the hosts and they couldn't have asked for a better opportunity! Max Kruse heads a ball on for Schurrle, who finds himself unmarked inside the area. He has time to control and take on David de Gea, but instead opts to take the chance first time, smashing a half-volley high and wide!
• 1'

   

  Underway in Germany! Wolfsburg in white, Manchester United in red.
•  

   

  The players are out, the anthem has sounded and we are about set for kickoff! There is a terrific atmosphere inside the stadium, though tensions remain high with so much at stake. It's time to find out who wants it more.
•  

   

  Louis van Gaal has made two changes to his team in preparation for what he has dubbed his biggest game since arriving at the club. Paddy McNair's injury has forced him to the bench, paving the way for right-back Guillermo Varela to make his first Manchester United start - and what a moment it promises to be for the young Uruguayan. The Red Devils will also have to make do without Morgan Schneiderlin, who is nursing a hip injury. Marouane Fellaini drops deeper in midfield to partner Bastian Schweinsteiger as a result, which sees Memphis Depay brought into the team in attack. Anthony Martial holds his place up top in the continued absence of Wayne Rooney.
•  

   

  Two changes for the hosts from their starting lineup which lost in heartbreaking fashion to Dortmund on Saturday. Christian Trasch comes into the XI, pushing Vieirinha into midfield and Daniel Caligiuri to the bench. Dante also returns at centre-half at the expense of Timm Klose. Andre Schurrle starts as the lone striker in what will be more of a false nine with Bas Dost and Nicklas Bendtner amongst the substitutes. Luiz Gustavo returned to training this week but has not been included in the team.
•  

   

  SUBS: Carrick, Young, Romero, McNair, Borthwick-Jackson, Pereira, Powell.
•  

   

  MANCHESTER UNITED: De Gea; Varela, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Schweinsteiger, Fellaini; Lingard, Mata, Memphis; Martial.
•  

   

  SUBS: Bendtner, Schafer, Klose, Caligiuri, Dost, Jung, Casteels.
•  

   

  WOLFSBURG (4-2-3-1): Benaglio; Trasch, Naldo, Dante, Rodriguez; Guilavogui, Arnold; Vieirinha, Kruse, Draxler; Schurrle.
•  

   

  CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
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  Both of these teams could also advance with a victory. Ideally the pair would like to take care of business themselves without having to rely on results elsewhere, but regardless of what happens in this match, both Wolfsburg and Manchester United would progress through to the knockout stage should PSV lose at home to CSKA. The German outfit would also guarantee their progression should the other match end in a draw. Only a PSV victory would force Wolfsburg to get a result from this match, but considering the Dutch outfit have already won both home matches in the group stage, they will be considered heavy favourites tonight against the Moscow club.
•  

   

  Wolfsburg would ensure their progression with any sort of points from this match, that much is certain. A victory would secure them top spot in the group, while a draw would also punch their ticket to the knockout stage. For Manchester United it isn’t as straightforward. What we do know is a win, like Wolfsburg, would see them finish atop Group D. A draw, however, and they will be left relying on results elsewhere. Should they settle for a point, the Red Devils would have to hope PSV fail to beat the already eliminated CSKA Moscow in the Netherlands. A victory for the Eredivisie outfit, coupled with a draw in this match, would send Louis van Gaal’s men packing.
•  

   

  Hello football fans around the world and welcome to our live coverage of Wolfsburg and Manchester United from the Volkswagen Arena, as we get set for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Champions League group stage. The permutations are endless, as both sides could find themselves celebrating a first-place finish in Group B or lamenting an early exit from the competition at the conclusion of play this evening.