Manchester United v Shakhtar Donetsk: David Moyes faces personnel problem in search of top spot in Champions League group
United need a point at Old Trafford to win the group, but may have to do so without some senior players
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United could be facing a personnel problem for their final Champions League group match against Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
David Moyes' side have already booked their place in the last 16 but require a point against the Ukrainian title winners to seal top spot in Group A and avoid most of Europe's heavyweights in next week's knock-out round draw.
However, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Chris Smalling and Marouane Fellaini were all missing from the open section of this morning's session at the Aon training complex.
With Michael Carrick also ruled out by an Achilles injury and Darren Fletcher not registered for European competition, Moyes may not have the resources available that he would like.
After back-to-back home Premier League defeats, victory is important for United as they look to boost their flagging morale.
Former Everton boss Moyes is now trying to get as much as possible from his squad after they dropped to ninth in the top flight with the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson clearly having had a seismic effect.
"We've got roughly the same squad that was champions last year," Moyes said.
"We've not changed an awful lot in that period.
"I need to make sure I'm getting the best out of the players and we are performing as well as we possibly can.
"I do think we can play better but there were a lot of games last year where Manchester United didn't play particularly well and maybe, in a game like that, sneaked it with a goal."
Related articles...
United will not be forced into panic buys, says Moyes
Sam Wallace: Moyes paying price for transfer abstinence
Moyes needs immediate lift to take the crisis out of change
United players 'don't want the ball', claims Wilkins
Ferguson still trying to exert 'control and power' at United, claims Keane
United face personnel problem in Champions League
Moyes claims fans understand 'the bigger picture'
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments