United grind out win

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal suggested his side are being affected by fatigue after battling to a 2-1 Champions League victory over Wolfsburg at Old Trafford.

United were unconvincing as they registered their first Group ‘B’ points, having to come from behind after Daniel Caligiuri’s fourth–minute strike then, following Juan Mata’s penalty and a Chris Smalling goal, hanging on towards the end.

Van Gaal was pleased with the result but felt United got lucky with a 34th–minute spot-kick for a handball by Caligiuri.

He claimed the number of games United have played of late – this was their sixth in 18 days – is taking its toll: “We scored in the second half to make it 2-1 but after that it was suffering. A lot of players are very tired.”

Van Gaal said his side had deserved to win overall given the number of chances they created, and praised the spirit they had shown. But he stressed there is still plenty of room for improvement