United must once again attempt to pick themselves up from another catastrophic defeat at Old Trafford, this time against their biggest and most bitter rivals. It’s not entirely clear how many more blows the squad can take, however, the next one is quite likely to be just around the corner.
United face Olympiakos and a 2-0 deficit must be overcome if they are to somehow scramble through to the next round of the Champions League.
Moyes will be without Mata due to him being cup tied, although they were pretty much without him against Liverpool anyway, such was the nature of his ineffectual display.
Van Persie too was really rather poor, but the casualties are most likely to be Fellaini and Vidic who both performed at levels which should be nowhere near the higher reaches of the Premier League.
Welbeck should come in for Mata, Evans could return in place of Vidic, and Fletcher will start instead of Fellaini.
United’s approach is simple for this game, score early and try not to concede. Winning 2-0 is not beyond them despite all previous evidence to the contrary. The players know what they need to do even if the manger isn’t quite sure, so in many ways this could work in United’s favour.
One thing is for sure, should they manage to score in the first 25 minutes or so, the atmosphere inside Old Trafford will be something to behold. During all of the frankly embarrassing moments served up to them this season, one thing has remained consistent and that is the support of the players from the fans.
