David Moyes was under tremendous pressure to perform in this match after dismal performances in the premier league. They struggled hard for a 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donestk, the Ukranian champions. The manager did admit that he had to take the team to task in the interval after ‘terrible’ passing in the first half. Manchester United did manage to win, though. Phil Jones struck the net in the 67th minute and ensured that United topped the group.
Moyes knows his team needs to improve a lot in the upcoming games to achieve title glory.
“ Our first half performance has always been disappointing. It has been that way since I came to the club. We simply need to win games. We passed the ball much better in the second half after having given it away in the first half. We played horribly in the opening 30 minutes. It is not the way we play. We missed a couple of chances just before half time”, he said.
“I didn’t see much difference to the Newcastle and Everton games. We got the solitary goal tonight. In those games, the opponents got the call. Technically, there was not much a difference in the three games we played. We simply ended on the wrong side of the result in two of those. I believe we are among the favourites to win the European Cup. We need to improve our game if we want to progress in the Champions League”, he added.
Former United captain, Roy Keane believed that the United players played with almost no hope. “They didn’t look like a team. It seemed to be that there were individuals running around. One can defend players for making mistakes, but not playing without the spirit. This season, United are simply not good enough”, he said.
He was also impressed with the fact that Moyes took his players to task after a forgettable opening half.
“ Rio Ferdinand’s chances and decision making is absolutely ridiculous. It seems like he it is his debut game. The big question mark is on the managers and players. Definitely, both are not good enough”, he said.