Moyes: We're good enough to beat Bayern

David Moyes says Manchester United should consider themselves on a level playing field as Champions League quarter-final opponents Bayern Munich.

The manager has been criticised recently for suggesting Liverpool and Manchester City were favourites for their matches, but he was in tubthumping mood before the home game with the European champions on Tuesday night.

"We know that on our day we're as good a side as any but we have to show it more often," Moyes said.
"I've got great belief in the players and I've said that from day one - that hasn't changed. I get the feeling the players all want to play, I can tell that from their attitude in training.

"They all want to play in the big games, that's what the players here have wanted to do over the years."
United, seventh in the Premier League, are the longest odds they have ever been for a match at Old Trafford, but Moyes says he has no fear of facing Pep Guardiola in the opposite dugout.

"I'm really looking forward to coming up against him," Moyes said. "I've no doubt I'll be doing it plenty of times in the future."

Asked why Guardiola has had so much more success, having already won the Bundesliga title, he said: "He had a year to get himself ready for the Bayern job."

Sitting alongside Moyes at the official press conference, Ryan Giggs took up the theme. "As players, we don't see ourselves as underdogs," the player-coach said. "We see ourselves as Manchester United, playing in the Champions League. It's two huge clubs, two great histories, two teams who play football the right way."

Moyes has injury problems in his backline with full-backs Rafael and Alexander Buttner now doubtful to feature while Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans work their way back to full fitness. "We have defensive issues undoubtedly so we will have to make one or two changes."

Shinji Kagawa, who has played Bayern Munich four times, winning all four, could retain his place in the side having started against Aston Villa on Saturday. "It's something we seriously consider. He is in our thoughts for tomorrow," said Moyes.

Moyes added that a degree of caution is required in the first leg. "We have to make sure both games are important but we'd love to go to Germany with a win under our belt."

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Moyes : Rio Ferdinand still valued at Manchester United

Manchester United manager David Moyes has insisted he still considers Rio Ferdinand a valuable member of his Old Trafford squad.

The former England captain has struggled with injuries this term, falling behind Jonny Evans and Phil Jones in the pecking order, making just seven Premier League appearances this season.

But with Jones and Evans doubts for Sunday's visit of bottom-of-the-table Fulham, Moyes says Ferdinand could return to the starting line-up after making just two outings in the last two months.

"Rio is back training," Moyes told reporters. "He is back and we will continue to use Rio at the right times and the right moments.

"He has made a great contribution, especially in the first half of the season. He has competition for centre half, but he is very much valued and looked at as one of the senior players here."

Moyes also revealed that Ferdinand helped him make the transition to Old Trafford after being named as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

He added: "He was a big part in helping me to settle. He helped me get my feet under the table a little bit."

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Man Utd: Moyes to reject Vidic bids

Manchester United manager David Moyes will not consider selling Nemanja Vidic to Fiorentina, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Serbian centre-back is yet to sign a new contract with the Premier League champions, and has occasionally looked past his best with his performances for United this season.

The likes of Juventus and AC Milan have also shown a strong interest in Vidic, with Fiorentina emerging as his leading suitors over the last couple of days.

It was thought that with Vidic free to leave on a Bosman at the end of this season, United might be keen to accept a fee for him now, though Moyes is reportedly hoping to keep the experienced centre-back at the club.

United have been linked with a number of new players in that position themselves, and much of what happens with Vidic may depend on the Red Devils' success in bringing in reinforcements to their back four this January.

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Moyes : 'We've escaped Ferguson's shadow'

David Moyes claims Manchester United are primed for a new-year title challenge after finally adjusting to life after Sir Alex Ferguson.

Six months to the day since officially succeeding Ferguson as United manager, Moyes sends his team out to face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in the New Year's Day evening kick-off eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal and three short of a top-four position.

The former Everton manager has endured a turbulent start at United, with progress slow prior to the recent upsurge that has brought six successive victories in all competitions.

Ferguson left the club after nearly 27 years in charge last summer, and Moyes admits that it has taken until now for himself and the players to overcome the aftershocks.

He said he was never aware of players losing focus, “but when you look back, you might think to yourself that maybe there was just a big change at the start and it was going to take a bit of time from everybody.

“If you’re a club who chops and changes your manager regularly, you could expect the players to pick up [from where the last manager left off].

“But when you’re a club that’s not used to that, it’s not just the players who feel it, it’s the staff, it’s everybody who works at the club.

“Even for myself, the new manager, it’s a big change to come into an environment where everything has been set in its ways for such a long time.

“It would be a challenge to any football man, anywhere. I’m a football man, I know what I have to do, and I’m going to work towards trying to get it better than it is, because that’s my job.”

Moyes, who confirmed that Robin van Persie will miss out against Spurs because of a thigh injury, insists that United’s recent winning run emphasises the club’s ability to challenge for the title in the second half of the season.

“I think the players needed a challenge,” Moyes said. “The challenge is now, ‘Well, hey, we’re not in the position we should be, let’s get back to where we want to be’.

“I do think they’ve got the bit between their teeth at the moment and I want that to continue week in, week out.

“We’re definitely in it, but we’ve got a long way to catch up. We’re not breathing down the necks of the teams above us at the moment, and we’ve got to try to get a wee bit closer, because once we get in that position, people will know exactly what Manchester United are capable of.”

Moyes confirmed a desire to strengthen his squad this month, but admitted that the rebuilding job was one which would take more than one window to complete.

“Everybody is aware this is a club that continually evolves,” Moyes said.

“In the coming months and years, there will be a rebuilding, I’ve got no doubt about that. We’ll be looking to do that and we’ll aim for that in the future.

“If Sir Alex was still here, he would have said there needed to be a rebuilding job, but it’s a continual rebuilding job going on here all the time.

“That’s part of the job and if you play for this club, you always know there’s going to be competition for places. I think if you manage this club there are always going to be big decisions to make.”

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Moyes challenges Welbeck to maintain scoring run

Manchester United manager David Moyes has challenged Danny Welbeck to maintain his goalscoring form.

Having previously faced criticism for not finding the net regularly enough, Welbeck has scored three times in as many appearances after being pushed further forward in the absence of the injured Robin van Persie.

The England international picked up a knock to his knee after his goal against West Ham on Saturday, but appears set to be available for Thursday's trip to Hull City.

"It's only a kick to his knee," Moyes told United's official website.

"He'd had a knee problem a few weeks ago, but this was a kick to it. He's trained and we hope that he's ok.

"I think Danny's a really good player, and I want him to become a really good goalscorer.

"He's got three in his last three games, so that's a good record for him and he has to try to keep that level up."

Welbeck has five Premier League goals in 11 appearances this term, a vast improvement on the one goal he managed in the 2012-13 season.

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Moyes : Man Utd could struggle with transfer targets

Manchester United manager David Moyes thinks that the club may fail to lure top transfer targets in the January transfer window.

The reigning champions have experienced an indifferent season approaching the half-way point, as five losses in the Premier League have left them in seventh position, eight points off table-toppers Liverpool.

Moyes, however, has seen his side improve in recent matches following four straight wins in all competitions, with United topping their Champions League group and reaching the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup.

United's patchy league form had led to rumours the Scot could bolster his ranks, especially in midfield, but Moyes feels his targets are unlikely to leave their clubs midway through the campaign.

"We will look [at targets]," Moyes said. "But I wouldn't turn around and say that I'm massively sure that we will get them.

"Because a lot of the players we would be interested in wouldn't be available for us in that month of January.

"But we'll certainly be looking."

Man Utd struggled to sign players in the summer window too and only sealed the Marouane Fellaini on deadline day, with moves for Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera falling flat.

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Pardew : United must not sack Moyes

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is convinced that Manchester United should stick with David Moyes despite the Red Devils' struggles this season.

The Magpies won 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, compounding Everton's midweek victory, to leave the Red Devils languishing ninth in the Premier League.

His opposite number is battling to turn things around after taking over from legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer and Pardew feels that the Scot has "already proven he's going to be great" for United.

"It's difficult for David and the club at the minute - they've had some tricky results," the Newcastle boss remarked to BBC Sport.

"He's a great manager. It's very important now that the fans of Manchester United and the board stick with him because he's already proven he's going to be great for this club but it is some sticky days; we all have them.

"David might need a year like that when it's touch-and-go but he'll get it right because he is a strong man," Pardew added. "I have a great respect for him.

"He had a bad break [on Saturday] with Wayne Rooney being unavailable because he'd been in top form."

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Moyes : We can still win the title

Manchester United manager David Moyes remains confident his side can challenge for the Premier League despite their defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

The 1-0 loss ensured the champions were beaten twice in a row at home in the league for the first time since 2002, after falling to Everton on Wednesday, with Yohan Cabaye scoring the all-important goal.

It leaves United well off the pace in the title race but Moyes remains bullish over his side's chances of success this season.

"I stand firm that we'll be very close (to the title race)," he told BT Sport, before adding that he remains calm on his own position at the club.

"It's the job, when I came here I knew it was never goiung to be easy."

Moyes will consider his side hard done by after Vurnon Anita appeared to use his hand to deny a goal with the scores at 0-0, while Robin van Persie later saw an effort chalked off due to offside.

"(I'm) disappointed with the result," he said.

"There were bits of the game where we needed a bit of luck and that didn't happen.

"We've lacked a little bit of creativity at times. We've lost the two games (Everton and Newcastle) 1-0 and both have perhaps been a bit against the run of play.

"(Manchester) United fans have been great and I think they understand it's about transition. We'll work and try to improve and try to get better."

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Moyes : United need to keep up form

Manchester United manager David Moyes says that his side will be looking to pick up from where they left off before the international break when they face Cardiff City.

The Red Devils have won six and drawn three of their last nine games in all competitions including a 1-0 victory over league leaders Arsenal last time out.

"We came off a couple of good results and sometimes you want the games to come thick and fast," Moyes told the press. "You can't do anything about the international break, whether you win or lose going into it.

"We're on a good run of form, we're feeling good at the moment, we have confidence about us and we want to try and keep that going.

"I never thought we were out of [the title race]. We just go about our job and try to win each game."

United may field captain Nemanja Vidic when they travel to Wales. The Serbian was substituted with concussion during their 1-0 win over Arsenal but his manager says that he has recovered carefully.

"Concussion is something which you do need to rest [but] he's had his rest and we'll bring him back and hopefully he'll be fine," Moyes remarked. "It's not a serious injury.

"Concussion can be extremely serious but he had a week off afterwards and we've given him a chance to recover. We’ve picked him up slowly from there."

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Moyes : We didnt need Ozil

David Moyes says that United did not try to sign Mesut Ozil in the summer because he was a player they "didn’t need”.

The Germany international moved from Real Madrid to Arsenal in August and has proved to be an instant success at the Emirates, helping the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.

Ozil had also been linked with a move to the Red Devils prior to the deal going through, but Moyes insisted the club were never close to bringing him to Old Trafford.

We weren’t close to buying him but something was mooted a little bit before that,” Moyes told reporters.

“We didn’t need that position at the time. I didn’t even say it was an interest, it was put to us and it was just something at the time we didn’t need.

“We had Shinji Kagawa and Wayne Rooney and people of a similar ilk so it wasn’t quite what we required at that time. We were looking at different positions.”

Moyes will face Ozil and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday and the Scot is confident his side are facing the in-form Gunners at the right time, after an inconsistent start to the season.

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Moyes : We need Chicharito

Manchester United manager David Moyes has reiterated his desire for Chicharito to remain at the club despite speculation linking the striker with a move away.

Despite scoring four goals in eight games, Chicharito remains behind Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney in the pecking order and was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

But Moyes insists the Mexican remains part of his plans and still has a future at the club.

“We need Chicharito; he’s very good for us,” Moyes told reporters.

“He's scored a lot of goals over the last few years and continues to do so, so we'll continue to use him.”

Rumours of a transfer increased when the former Guadalajara forward retweeted a story on Twitter containing quotes from Mexico-strike partner, Carlos Vela, suggesting the striker should seek regular football elsewhere.

Vela said: “If he plays regularly he will score, so I don't totally understand why a player of his quality has not played more games.

“If he doesn't play regularly he will need to think about leaving.

“You always want to succeed at the biggest clubs - but if he is not given the chance there will be big teams in England and Europe wanting him.”

Group A leaders, Manchester United travel to Real Sociedad in Tuesday’s Champions League match.

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Moyes : Rooney & Van Persie the best stikers in world

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are the best strike partnership in the world.

The England international and the Dutchman have scored 14 goals between them this season, although United sit eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after nine games.

But Moyes believes the pair are still to reach their peak this season and claims that when they do, the partnership will be unrivalled in the Premier League.

Wayne and Robin, on their day, will be a match for any player anywhere in the world, never mind just in this country,” the Scot told reporters.

“So I think when those two are firing, then they are the best, I really do. I see that. I think they’re both incredibly talented, both natural goalscorers.

“As footballers they both can probably play in several different positions because of their ability. So I’m looking forward to those two firing.

“And when we hit a real run those two will be something to rival, they really will.”

Moyes also claims Rooney possesses the attributes of a captain but admits he is unlikely to be given the United armband ahead of Nemanja Vidic.

“Wayne has certainly always had the ability to be a captain,” Moyes said.

“He’s got a love of football which is the biggest thing. He loves the game, he loves the ball and kicking around, it’s natural to him.

“If you’ve got that then you’ve got leadership. And in his own way he leads by example in what he tries to do. I think he could be a future skipper here.

“But I’ve not got any reason to change. I’m happy. Vida, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand – all of the really experienced boys are great behind the scenes and captains in their own right.

“Vida wears the armband, but I use them all for their guidance and experience.”

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Gullit : United still need 3 top signing

Manchester United need to sign "three top-class footballers" if they are to compete for trophies, says former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit.

The £27.5 million purchase of Marouane Fellaini from Everton on deadline day was David Moyes's only major piece of business over the summer and the Netherlands icon believes that the lack of fresh blood in the squad has contributed to a slow start.

It is a situation which he expects to be rectified in January, however.

I can fully understand that Moyes has now asked the board to sanction the purchase of three top-class footballers in the winter to keep the team competing at the highest level in England and Europe," Gullit told the press.

"I have reason to believe that funds are being made available at United and they should because it is a necessity.

"And when they do buy those three stars, it will be easier to let Wayne Rooney follow his heart if he wants to leave.

"They kept basically the same team and squad in the summer, which is why they are inconsistent in the Premier League. The club is also struggling to get going without Sir Alex Ferguson. They are missing his presence and his personality.

"There is no longer the man who shakes the place up internally and who has the guts to dish things out to the FA, to referees or other authorities. Ferguson always got away with his strong voice. In fact, he always came out stronger, as they would all take notice of what he said.

"David Moyes does not have that status yet and you can’t expect him to take on that role overnight."

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