Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal hails "outstanding" Chris Smalling

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised Chris Smalling's performance after the defender scored the winning goal in the team's victory over Wolfsburg on Wednesday night.

The Red Devils went a goal down inside four minutes at Old Trafford, but Juan Mata managed to pull it back to 1-1 from the penalty spot before the end of the first half.

Shortly after the break, Smalling netted his first goal of the season, which turned out to be the winner as United took home all three points in Group B.

"He played a very good match and especially defensively," Van Gaal told reporters. "The way he scored the goal was outstanding, especially for a defender and especially for him.

"But while we have won this game, it could have been in a better way. We deserved to win because we created many more chances."

United will turn their attention to the Premier League this weekend when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates.