David Moyes was pleased with his team’s performance against Shakthar Donetsk last night, as the Reds earned what could prove to be an important point in their bid to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Having gone ahead through a Danny Welbeck’s goal, United defended well for much of the game before conceding an equaliser 15 minutes from time, but for the United manager it was a case of a point earned rather than two lost, particularly considering Shakthar’s qualities.
“It is a good point. They have a great record against English teams and the team stood up well to it. We got a good goal early doors, and I thought we were going to stop them scoring,” said Moyes.
The United manager hailed his team’s resolve after a two woeful performances had cost United back-to-back league defeats against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion.
“We had to be harder to play against than we have in recent games, and we were. The team stood up well tonight.
“It was a bit of disappointment that we didn’t see the game out but Shakhtar had a lot of pressure in the second half.
“Shakhtar are a good team and they’ve got a great reputation in terms of results here, so a point away from home in the group I don’t think was too bad a result.
“I want to see all the players play and give them all an opportunity. I’m beginning to understand them a bit better.
“They were aware of how tough a game it was going to be tonight and I thought we defended very well.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t go on to win 1-0, but I also thought Shakhtar deserved a point,” continued Moyes.
“We said at half time we needed to keep the ball better, but we actually gave it away more in the second half so I’m a bit disappointed with that. But we were really unlucky to lose a goal.”
Dannu Welbeck’s comments mirrored his manager’s feelings. “Four points from the first two games is okay, considering we were away at Shakhtar. We are a bit disappointed as we are Manchester United and want to win every game, but we have to be satisfied with a point,” said United’s goalscorer on the night.
David Moyes also paid tribute to Ryan Giggs who reached his 145th Champions League appearance after replacing Marouane Fellaini halfway through the second half. Giggsy has now edged ahead of Raul and no other players has appeared more time than the Welshman in the competition’s history.
“It’s fantastic,” said Moyes. “I was telling him before the game he was going to come on off the bench.
“What a record. What a player”.
