MANCHESTER -- Manchester United manager David Moyes looked ahead to the “ultimate test” against Bayern Munich by declaring it will be the first of many occasions when he goes head-to-head with Pep Guardiola.
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Bayern visit Old Trafford to take on United on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.
But while Moyes’ future is the subject of speculation with the Red Devils only seventh in the Premier League, the 50-year-old is adamant this will not be the last season he faces Guardiola on the European stage.
He told his pregame news conference: “I am really looking forward to coming up against him. It is the first time I have done so but I have no doubt I will be doing it many times in the future.”
This is Moyes’ first full campaign in the Champions League and he added: “It is a really good competition. It has been really good for us so far. I came into it as a really inexperienced manager in the Champions League but we have done well and now we have the ultimate test in Bayern Munich.”
Defending champions Bayern are the clear favourites, but Moyes believes his underachieving players have the ability to spring a surprise.
He said: “We want to win the game as much as Bayern Munich. We go into the game knowing that on our day we are as good a side as any. We don’t show it often enough but I have great belief in the players.”
Moyes is waiting on the fitness of three United defenders. Rafael da Silva missed training on Monday morning but has declared himself fit, while Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans did participate, although the latter, who has been out for eight weeks, is not thought to be ready to return.
Moyes added: “We have defensive issues undoubtedly. I won’t be giving out my team today [Tuesday]. But we will, as everyone is aware, have to make one or two changes.”