United's Focus Is Firmly On Moscow Match

The biggest match of the domestic season so far may be just days away but for now, Manchester United's focus is fully on Europe and the need to pick up at least one Champions League point in Moscow.

That was the message from Louis van Gaal when, together with his captain Wayne Rooney, he addressed the Russian, English and international media in his press conference at Arena Kimkhi on Tuesday night.

"For me, as a manager, the next match is the most important match," said van Gaal. "I don't think about Manchester City [on Sunday]. I only think about CSKA Moscow and I have to focus on this match. I have to give also a good example to my players. I demand that also from my players.

"The most important match now is CSKA Moscow. We have already lost one game against PSV Eindhoven away and we want to gain one point at least. That is why it is a very important match for us.

"I have said before the game against PSV, also an away match, that one point is good. Three points is better but one point is good."

Van Gaal hopes he has boosted United's chances of picking up points in Moscow by training in Manchester earlier on Tuesday morning, even if he prefers his players to familiarise themselves with the stadium on the eve of a European away match.

"We were told that there would be a traffic jam in Moscow so when we go to the hotel, to the stadium and back to the hotel, it takes more time so we thought it is better to train at home on our training ground," explained the United manager.

"My preference is to train here, because then the players know the circumstances and where they have to play, but in this case we have decided to train in Manchester. I have already seen the pitch [at Arena Kimkhi] but it is much more important to know the opinion of Wayne, because he has to play there."

Rooney responded: "The pitch looks very good and a lot better than I thought. We can't complain about the pitch and the other players will like it. It is a good pitch to play football on and hopefully we can do that."

Wayne admitted he has "mixed emotions" when he thinks about previous matches in Moscow but the positive memories with United would appear to override negative ones with the national team.

"I lost here with England 2-1 but I had possibly the greatest moment in my club career here, winning the Champions League," Rooney told reporters. "That was a special night for Manchester United and one that myself and the fans will never forget.

"Winning this trophy gives you a desire to win it again. This is a different group of players, but hopefully myself and Michael Carrick, who also won the Champions League here, can help them and share our experience.

"There is nothing better than being successful as a team. Individual honours are great, but being successful with other players and coaches is a great feeling. The main objectives in my career are not personal goals but for the team to be successful."

The United captain did allow himself to fleetingly think about the weekend's Manchester derby at Old Trafford when he was asked a personal question at the press conference - what does he want as a present for his 30th birthday on Saturday?

"If we start with three points tomorrow, that would be great. And then another three on Sunday."