Wolfsburg worry about VW workers after United defeat

Around 800 travelling Wolfsburg fans stayed back after their 2-1 defeat in the Champions League on Wednesday to cheer their side for 15 minutes following the final whistle at Manchester United's iconic Old Trafford ground.

Wolfsburg's early goal was cancelled out as Juan Mata scored a penalty, then set up Chris Smalling's goal as United came from behind to deny the battling Germans a win in Group B.

But beyond that defeat, Wolfsburg centre-back Dante said the uncertain future facing many of their fans, who work on the production line at Volkswagen's plant in the northern German city, was on his mind.

"I hope that all the people keep their jobs," said the Brazilian in Manchester.

Wolfsburg's director of sport Klaus Allofs has said the club's future appears to be secure -- for now -- despite the majority of their cash coming from Volkswagen's coffers.

But he added it was impossible to ignore the air of uncertainty hanging over the city of Wolfsburg, where the majority of the workers also live.

The giant Volkswagen plant is just a few hundred metres from the football stadium.

"I hope a solution will be found," said Allofs.

"It's not something which can just pass us by."

Volkswagen, the world's biggest carmaker by sales, has admitted up to 11 million diesel cars worldwide are fitted with devices that can switch on pollution controls when they detect the car is undergoing testing. 

Since the revelations of the scam broke earlier this month, shares in VW have nose dived.

Angela Merkel's German government has given VW until next Wednesday to explain how it will resolve the scandal.

The company is bracing itself for a wave of lawsuits from around the world, which could have a knock-on effect for Wolfsburg fans on the Volkswagen production line.

- 'Left a bad feeling' -

Meanwhile, Dante exchanged words with his former Bayern Munich team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger after the final whistle in Manchester.

The Selecao centre-back said he was pleased to see Germany's captain enjoying his time at Old Trafford since quitting Munich in July after 14 years with Bayern.

"We write (text messages) to each other and will always remain friends," said Dante.

"It's great to hear that he is very, very happy at United."

Schweinsteiger was involved in both goals and received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd when he was substituted.

But Wolfsburg left Manchester under a cloud of disappointment as they failed to back up their opening Champions League win 1-0 at home to CSKA Moscow earlier this month.

"We were punished terribly for any mistakes," grumbled coach Dieter Hecking.

Wolfsburg's Christian Traesch said the result "left a bad feeling" as he got on the team bus.

His team are now preparing to face Borussia Moenchengladbach away on Saturday, who lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.