Manchester United manager David Moyes has taken ‘complete responsibility’ for the Reds’ recent poor form and believes his players will hit-back against Shakhtar Donetsk tonight.
Despite league struggles, United are unbeaten in the Champions League and will top the group by avoiding defeat against the Ukrainian side at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are coming off back-to-back home defeats in the Premier League and Moyes is expecting a response from the English champions.
“The players are hurting because they are used to winning,” Moyes said at his press briefing.
“I take complete responsibility for the results. Fortunately they’ve been good in the Champions League but not in the Premier League.
“They are good lads and will respond in the right way.”
United, who have already qualified for the knockout phase, are three points clear of Shakhtar at the top of Group A but victory for the Ukrainians will see them win the group on the head-to-head rule.
Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford, on the back of the home loss to Everton, saw many fans leave the ground early and others boo United off the field.
With the pressure building on Moyes as United sit ninth in the Premier League, the Champions League offers relief for the manager.
With qualification already assured, Moyes has emphasised the importance of topping the group.
“It’s important to give ourselves the best possible chance in the next round,” Moyes said.
“It won’t make it easier but it will give us a little bit of an advantage by having the second game at home.
“We will do everything we can to be top.”
United could welcome back Wayne Rooney following his suspension on Saturday, while Shinji Kagawa could also return following illness.
There are injury concerns over Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Patrice Evra – giving Moyes a number of selection headaches as he tries to get United back to winning ways.
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