Manchester United's Louis van Gaal says his team must prove they are good enough to reach the Champions League's knock-out stages by breaking their goal-drought against Wolfsburg on Tuesday.
United have scored just one goal in drawing their their last three games, including a goalless draw at home to PSV Eindhoven a fortnight ago which means they must win in Wolfsburg to be sure of reaching the last 16 in Europe.
United’s England striker Wayne Rooney is out with an ankle injury, but United manager Van Gaal says it’s up to the players chosen to score the goals at Wolfsburg’s Volkswagen Arena to keep United in Europe.
“It is very important for the club and the players to continue in the Champions League,” says Van Gaal in Monday’s press conference.
Read more: Richard Jolly: 'Lazy' Newcastle bring Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool back to earth
“You have to prove yourselves, as a club, as a team and as players.
“Football is about scoring goals, it’s the most important aspect, and as a manager you can’t be pleased when it is like this, you have to score.
“This is the most important match at this moment.
“It is very important for the club to continue in Europe and the players want to show their qualities on the highest podium.”
United, a point behind leaders Wolfsburg in the group, need a win to guarantee qualification, but could also go through if Eindhoven lose at home to CSKA Moscow in the group’s other game or if both matches are drawn.
Van Gaal says relying on the result in Eindhoven is not an option.
“That’s why it is very important to beat Wolfsburg,” said the Dutchman, “we cannot depend on the result of PSV.”
“You never know for sure, but I have the experience as a manager that the goals will come, because when you are creating chances in the end you will finish them.
“That is why we have that belief, it’s a matter of time and I hope we can prove it tomorrow”.
United beat Wolfsburg 2-1 at Old Trafford in September and are hoping for a repeat of their 3-1 win at the Volkswagen Arena in 2009 when Michael Owen scored a hat-trick.
Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is relishing his first game in his native country with United and is backing his side to break their goal drought.
“We know the situation,” said Schweinsteiger, the only United player to score in their last three games.
“We beat Wolfsburg in Manchester and we want to do it again.
“We’re doing an unbelievable job defensively but we have to be determined to score. I’m convinced we can change it.”
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December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
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July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
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