Van Gaal takes heart in solid defence after United's dour draw with PSV

Louis van Gaal has put together an incredibly solid defence at Manchester United, with Chris Smalling expertly marshalling the back line again against PSV Eindhoven to record the side's 13th clean sheet of this season.

It is something which the Dutch gaffer is proud of, and was sure to mention after his team's poor 0-0 home draw to PSV in Wednesday's Champions League action.

"We could have finished in the first half but also in the second half, to the end we're not so good any more, we were afraid to play the ball but nevertheless do not give too much chances away," van Gaal told BBC Sport's Phil Dawkes.

"I cannot say every game in the interview with you that we didn't finish but it is the truth."

Unfortunately for Old Trafford's home support the match followed a familiar script, as the Red Devils' attack lacked penetration, and struggled to claim the three points in what most predicted would be a comfortable win for the hosts.

Van Gaal has been criticised for encouraging a boring brand of football at United, and his selection of youngster Jesse Lingard in lieu of the creative Juan Mata will likely do nothing to silence these claims.

Wednesday's draw is also a result that has blown Group B wide open ahead of the final matchday in two weeks. United is in the middle of a top three separated by just three points, and the English side ends its group stage with a tough trip to Wolfsburg on Dec. 8.

"It will be very difficult because Wolfsburg are the best team in our group to play against, but it is possible," van Gaal said. "We have won also at home and PSV has to win against Moscow, it is not so easy."

Here is the Group B table ahead of the last round of fixtures: