Table-topping Wolfsburg oust United in thriller

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal looks dejected during a Champions League Group B match against VfL Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen-Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany, December 8, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

WOLFSBURG, Germany - VfL Wolfsburg reached the Champions League last 16 and dealt a knockout blow to Manchester United with a 3-2 victory to claim top spot in Group B and condemn their opponents to the Europa League on Tuesday.

In a dramatic end to a pulsating encounter in Germany, United were set to reach the next round when an own goal by Josuha Guilavogui levelled the scores at 2-2 with eight minutes left.

But Wolfsburg's Brazilian centre back Naldo headed his second of the night, after cancelling out Anthony Martial's opener for United, to leave the visitors needing PSV Eindhoven to lose at home to CSKA Moscow in the group's other game.

For a brief moment late in the second half it looked like United would get their wish, but PSV rallied to level and then snatch a late 2-1 win that left them second in the standings on 10 points, two ahead of United and two behind Wolfsburg.

The result was an added blow for United's Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, who has had to fend off heavy criticism for his team's perceived negative approach throughout the season.

"We fought for the win, we couldn't have done more than we have done," Van Gaal told BT Sport. "I'm very disappointed. This is the league (where) we want to show our qualities and we cannot do that anymore."

United had taken the lead through Martial after an incisive break led by Juan Mata.

The Spanish playmaker was allowed space to turn in midfield and produced a superb defence-splitting pass to find the Frenchman racing through on goal. Martial took a touch, opened his body up and slotted into the corner.

The Germans counter-punched almost immediately, however.

Ricardo Rodriguez whipped a free kick into the area and Naldo swung his right boot at the ball to direct a pinpoint low volley past United keeper David De Gea.