David Moyes is optimistic but equally wary of Manchester United’s midweek meeting with Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
The English side have endured a difficult start to life after Sir Alex Ferguson and may head into Wednesday’s Champions League group meeting with Real Sociedad unbeaten in the competition, but under pressure for lacklustre League showings.
For their manager, hosting pointless Real may prove an opportunity.
“I feel that this is an important one for us. If we could win this one, it would give us a strong position in the group,” explained Moyes in today’s pre-game Press conference.
“We have to go out there and take advantage of the home game and try to get a result. I hope it will go to plan. That's what we want to do to put us in a strong position early on.
“Real Sociedad’s form of late? I think they're just getting the balance back in the team after selling their best player last season [Asier Illarramendi] to Real Madrid.
“Maybe they've not started the season how they would have liked but I know that they were unlucky to lose in the last minute against Bayer Leverkusen from a free-kick so they will be hoping to get themselves up and running.
“We have to make sure we do the job, be professional and try to take all the points in this game.”
Four of United’s players sat out Tuesday morning’s training session – Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Tom Cleverly and Danny Welbeck – but Moyes is optimistic for their availability.
“There are one or two knocks and niggles, which most teams have. Vida and Rio are making good progress.
“Danny Welbeck has a little bit of an injury from the Southampton game so we'll have to see how he is. Tom Cleverley isn't as bad as we thought. They both have a chance.”
Adnan Januzaj is included in plans after impressing in recent weeks, and is eligible to enter The Red Devils’ squad as a homegrown player.
“Januzaj is available. He's an exciting young player and he's making good progress all the time. He's someone who, I'm sure, will play a big part in the future of Manchester United. He's an exceptional talent.”
