Lucescu satisfied as Shakhtar match United
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Article summary
Mircea Lucescu was adamant FC Shakhtar Donetsk had been "better in some respects" than Manchester United FC, with David Moyes grateful for "a good point".
Article top media content
Article body
Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar coach
The result satisfies both sides. United capitalised on our mistake and scored a fortunate goal. They are better than us on the break, but I wouldn't say they were in control of the game. I can hardly remember more than that one effort on our goal. The draw is not the worst option for either team, but we weren't thinking that before the match. I am happy we rose to the level of United and even got the better of them in certain respects.
At half-time we said to continue playing our way, increase the tempo in the last 20 minutes and take some risks. That was the case. We delivered many balls into their box and it was a pity we scored just once. One team played with physical power and athleticism, the other with technical skill, and because of that we saw a spectacular game. This point allows us to stay in contention to qualify from the group. We were better then United in some respects and it is a pity we did not win, but don't forget we were playing Manchester United.
All our players looked good and there was no sense replacing them because it could have disrupted our game. That's why I waited till the very end of the match to make substitutions. Taison and Douglas [Costa] looked good in the second half; Adriano made life difficult for their central defenders and had a hand in our goal. You make substitutions to strengthen the team, not for the sake of them.
David Moyes, Manchester United manager
It is a good point. Shakhtar have a great record against English sides and the team stood up well to them. We got a good goal early doors and I thought we were going to stop them scoring.
We said at half-time we needed to keep the ball better, but we actually gave it away more in the second half so I'm a bit disappointed with that. But we were really unlucky to lose a goal. It's a point in the Champions League. We are going to have to win other games if we are to progress, but overall it's a good point.
The experienced players are very important as these are the boys that have been here and done it. I thought they played well tonight. [Ryan Giggs becoming the player with the most appearances in the UEFA Champions League] is fantastic. What a record and what a player.
