Manchester United’s impressive 3-0 win over Olympiakos at Old Trafford has manager David Moyes dreaming of going all the way in the Champions League.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, United needed to score at least three to be sure of going through and did just that courtesy of a hat trick from Robin van Persie.
While Moyes admits his team will not be fancied in the competition, when asked if they could win the trophy in Lisbon in May, he said United were capable.
“We will probably go into the quarter-final tie as underdogs but I don’t see why not,” Moyes told reporters after the game.
“This football club is capable of it if we play to our capabilities.
“This club has history in the competition – it knows what to do at this stage.
“I think we can be a match for any team.”
On United’s crunch night, Moyes turned to experience by bringing 40-year-old Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand back into the starting eleven.
Giggs in particular was impressive in his central midfield role and played his part in the opening goal, with a ball over the top finding Van Persie who was fouled in the area and the Dutchman converted the penalty.
Rooney and Van Persie combined for the second before half-time before Van Persie netted a second half free-kick to complete his hat-trick.
Van Persie was stretchered off late in the game but United are hopeful the injury is not too serious while Antonio Valencia suffered a nasty blow early in the encounter and soldiered on.
This is nothing for joy that manchester has given me . Esto no es nada para la alegría que me ha dado manchester. pic.twitter.com/oSIwLFxcTP
— Antonio Valencia (@7AntoV) March 19, 2014
Giggs believes United owed that performance to the fans.
“There was pressure on us, especially after Sunday,” he told Sky Sports.
“We owed the fans because they’ve been unbelievable.”
Main image courtesy of 90th min via YouTube, with thanks.
