Manchester United's 5-2 defeat to the German Wolves

An evening that quickly took a turn for the worse for Manchester United

The Volkswagen Arena was surprisingly empty, with temperatures just around 3 degrees Celsius, and for the Manchester United fans who had travelled all the way to Lower Saxony, it got even colder after the 45th minute.

📸via bbc.co.uk

The Red Devils started strongly and took an early lead through Fridolina Rolfö in the 14th minute. Wolfsburg reacted immediately: Ella Peddemors equalised straight away and turned the game around before half-time.

Shortly before the half-time whistle, Lineth Beerensteyn scored to make it 3-1. She shot from around 20 metres and found the top-right corner with an unstoppable strike. What a dream goal! Melvine Malard scored another goal for United, but Wolfsburg started to have the game under control.

After the break, United lost structure and intensity, while VfL dominated more and more.

In the 65th minute, Beerensteyn made her mark once again: she fought hard for the ball and scored to make it 4-2 – her fourth goal in her fourth Champions League game. Beerensteyn was strong on her feet, present, technically sharp and intelligent in every phase of the game. She was deservedly selected Player of the Match.

In the post-match interview, Beerensteyn spoke of a ‘crazy game’ and praised her team's mentality. When asked about her dream goal, she said with a laugh: ‘Alexandra Popp screamed so loudly: “Shoot, shoot, shoot!” Then I thought: “Why not?”’

Looking ahead to the upcoming games, she seemed confident, emphasising that the next games against Real Madrid and Chelsea will be difficult but that the way they played today, against such a strong team like Manchester United, makes them confident and proud of where they are right now, both in the national league and in the Champions League. 

VfL coach Lerch was also very satisfied. United had started better, but Wolfsburg had then controlled and dominated the game. He said he was ‘really proud’ of his team and praised their mentality. When asked about the upcoming games, he emphasised that every action and every goal counts for them and that they are looking forward to the next games.

On the guests’ side, Rolfö spoke of a ‘good start’ in her post-match interview, but emphasised the major problems in defence.

United were often too spread out, communication wasn't working, a combination of many factors. She made it clear that this is not the game they want to play. The team must learn from this defeat and show what they are capable of after the international break against Lyon and Juventus, who drew this matchday. United’s goal is to go far in the Champions League, said Rolfö.

Wolfsburg's 5–2 victory was a fully deserved response to their recent setback and an absolute statement against the previously unbeaten Red Devils. United had a good start but gradually lost control, while Wolfsburg found solutions, increased pace, and showed collective dominance. Lineth Beerensteyn may have been the standout player, but it was the team's overall cohesion and energy that defined the night.

Goals:

Rolfö (14')

Peddemors (17', 37')

Beerensteyn (45', 65')

Malard (45'+2)

Endemann (90'+6)