Premier League News Man Utd v Shakhtar Donetsk

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Moyes: In need of a win

Manchester United need just a point from their game against Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford on Tuesday to finish top of Group A.

The Red Devils have a three-point lead over the Ukranian club heading into the final round of group fixtures and are already assured of their progression to the last 16.

But David Moyes' side will be keen to top their group so as to avoid a clash with one of the tournaments big clubs in the next round, although they head into the match in terrible form having lost their last two home games in the Premier League and not tasted victory in three.


A win would take some of the mounting pressure off Moyes and the Scot is determined to do just that.
"It's important we give ourselves every chance of progressing even further in the Champions League by finishing top," he remarked to the press.

"It won't make it easier but it will give us a little bit of an advantage by having the second game [in the last 16] at home.
"We will do everything we can to be top and, as well as that, we're unbeaten in the group and want to stay unbeaten if we can make that happen."

Wayne Rooney should return after missing the weekend's defeat to Newcastle through suspension, but defensive trio Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling as well as midfielder Marouane Fellaini sat out training on Monday and may miss out.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, come into the match on the back of four successive wins in all competitions and know that victory will guarantee their place in the next round, and a big win could see them finish ahead of their midweek opponents.

The teams played out a 1-1 draw in Ukraine at the start of October which will boost Mircea Lucescu's men's hopes of a result at Old Trafford, while having a fully fit squad will no doubt give him added confidence.