Moyes Targets Long Run

David Moyes says his Manchester players should be aiming to win this season's UEFA Champions League after qualifying for the knockout stages as group winners.

The Reds overcame Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the final Group A fixture on Tuesday, with a second-half Phil Jones goal ensuring top spot ahead of next Monday's last-16 draw. Despite disappointing domestic results in recent weeks, United have excelled in Europe and the boss believes his team can go far in the competition, possibly all the way.

Moyes said: "I think a club like Manchester United always has to be trying to win the trophy. The teams in this competition are very good, as everyone knows, but I think you need to get better as the tournament goes on.

"Last year, I think a lot of people were surprised to see Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich get to the final, with no sign of the Spanish teams. I think it's a tough competition, and it will be a hard one for us, but one where we will take every game as it comes and see how we get on.

“It’s a great tournament, all United supporters love it, they’ve been to finals before and know exactly what it means. I’m looking forward to taking those fans back to another final, and hope the draw is kind to us."

Moyes was critical of the Reds' first-half performance at Old Trafford, but says his side should be pleased to qualify from a tough group.

He added: "We got to the top of the group which is what we wanted, and the win helps our form a little bit. We didn't play too well in the first half, especially in the first 30 minutes. I didn't think we were close enough to them (Donetsk), we gave them too many opportunities, and were fortunate not to go a goal down.

"I thought we started to get a little bit better before half-time and then we did better in the second half."

The Reds boss praised the contribution of goalscorer Jones after the game, and says the 21 year-old should challenge himself to find the net more often.

“I think he [Phil Jones] should score more goals," said Moyes. "He’s good in the air and he should challenge himself to take more chances. I see him as a centre-back, but he can also play as a defensive midfielder, as everyone here knows.

"With our shortage in midfield at the moment, we’re having to use him in there quite a bit, but we’ll try to bring him on. He’s a young player, we shouldn’t expect too much so soon, but he’s doing smashing and he’s one for the long term who will continue to improve.”