Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United's desire to win was the driving force behind their thrilling Champions League last-16 fightback against Olympiakos at Old Trafford.
After Robin van Persie's hat trick sealed United's passage to the quarterfinals on a night of high drama, Rooney admitted his teammates needed to provide a battling display for besieged boss David Moyes. #INSERT type:image caption:Wayne Rooney is confident Man United can build off their Champions League success. END#
ESPN revealed on Tuesday that Moyes 'was losing the support' of some United directors, yet talk that his departure from the club being imminent can be put on hold after they came from 2-0 down in their first leg against Olympiakos to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
When asked whether the United players owed their manager a performance of the magnitude on display on Wednesday, Rooney was quick to agree with those sentiments.
"Of course we did and we owed ourselves a good result," the United striker told Sky Sports.
"Our fans, the manager, everyone [deserved a performance]. This is a great result and hopefully it can kick-start our season and be the start of something really special.
"It was just the desire to win. They support of our fans has been fantastic. Against Liverpool [last Sunday] they were fantastic. They were fantastic again [against Olympiakos] and we're delighted for them.
"This can be the start our season. Hopefully this is the start of something really special."
United legend Ryan Giggs tried to downplay the importance of he win against Olympiakos, but he accepted the victory was vital to lift spirits at Old Trafford after the shock of Sunday's 3-0 defeat against Liverpool.
"Of course there is pressure after Sunday because it was a bad performance and bad result," stated Giggs. "We hope this is a turning point, but we've had good performances and good results and not followed it up. We cannot get carried away."