Moyes Excited By Europe

David Moyes has revealed his excitement towards leading Manchester United into the UEFA Champions League; a competition he feels is more competitive than ever.

The Reds have been drawn in Group A alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Real Sociedad and Bayer Leverkusen, who visit Old Trafford on Tuesday evening. And Moyes, whose previous experience in the tournament was with Everton in 2005, acknowledges it’s going to be tough.

“I've been excited about it ever since I've joined Manchester United," he told reporters on Monday. "Every game has offered a new challenge and a tough one as well. I've been there before with Everton - we didn't quite make the group stages but this is different. This is a club that's used to getting to the latter stages.

“I think all groups are tough. You used to be able to always pick out the group winners but in the last few years that has become more difficult. It is more unpredictable than it was. We've got a leading team from Germany, one from Spain and we go to Donetsk to play Shakhtar. It's a tough group.

“I think it's become a competition that everybody wants to do well in. Maybe some teams can afford to rest players in their leagues and use them in the Champions League but that's hard in the Premier League. It's a competition the players here at Manchester United are used to and experienced in.”

When pressed further on his experience, the boss was keen to point out that he isn’t the only new manager in the tournament this season. In fact, his opposite number on Tuesday, ex-Liverpool captain Sami Hyypia, has never taken sole charge of a European match.

“You know Sami Hyypia's new as well? It's not just me! I've been around a long time and always wanted to get to the Champions League. I did what I could at Everton to make that happen. Now I'm at United I'm going to do everything I possibly can to win it.”

Speaking at a press conference, the boss was also asked about United’s controversial defeat to Real Madrid last season, a match he attended. But rather than focusing on the past, the boss was keen to focus on the future; Tuesday’s clash with Leverkusen.

“I was at the game last year against Real Madrid and it completely went against United on the night. But I'm always amazed at the atmosphere on big Champions League nights. The players are already motivated because of the game and we're going to go out there and put on a good show.”