WORLDSPORTS
DECEMBER 2013
The last time United came to Ukraine, they swept aside Dynamo Kiev 4-2 en route
to winning the 2008 European Cup Final.
They arrived in the Ukrainian capital back then on a seven-match winning run in
the Premier League, which they were also to claim that season, for a 10th time, under
Sir Alex Ferguson.
But for a controversial FA Cup exit quarter-final at home to Portsmouth - they
were denied a penalty when Cristiano Ronaldo was taken out by Sylvain Distin – they
may well have gone on to repeat the historic 1999 Treble triumph.
What a difference six years make.
United’s brooding, self-recriminatory mindset could not be in greater contrast to
that of their last visit.
The seeds of a potential crisis have been sown and another comprehensive defeat,
here against the Ukrainian champions, would serve only to increase the pressure on
the beleaguered Moyes.
But Moyes came out fighting, insisting he will turn the club’s fortunes around
and overcome his early teething problems as he gets to know his players better and
becomes more familiar with the unique demands of managing United.
INTERESTED
“We’re getting to know them and understanding them much more,” said Moyes.
“We’re getting a feel for them and the one thing I do know is that they are top players
and that will never change.
“That’s always the thing at United. Everybody is interested in them. They’re a talking point throughout the world and that’s why it’s a great honour for me to be involved
with the club.”
Moyes may have been a bit too honest at the weekend in admitting he did not have
the requisite five world-class players in his squad to win the Champions League, but
he said he will do everything within his power to take United as far as they can in this
season’s tournament.
“I said to win the Champions League you need a certain amount of world-class
players,” said Moyes.
“That’s something we’ll try to do.