Shakhtar Donetsk v Manchester United: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to Wednesday’s Champions League Group A fixture at the Donbass Arena

A win at Shakhtar will be a great comfort for David Moyes (PA)

Manchester United and David Moyes have the chance to escape the woes of their start to the Premier League campaign on Wednesday, when they face Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League Group A.

The Red Devils lost their second Premier League game in a row at home to West Brom on Saturday, but are unbeaten in cup competitions, and are joint top with Wednesday’s opponents Shakhtar after both sides won their opening games.

Moyes could welcome back Robin van Persie to his line-up for the first time in three games after the Dutchman recovered from a thigh injury to come off the substitute’s bench on Saturday.

Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra could both return to the United defence after missing out against West Brom.

Meanwhile Nani is available after being suspended for the last Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen.

Shakhtar have also been struggling in the league, having only won once in their last five games and needing two second half goals to draw with Metalurg Donetsk over the weekend.

Brazilian striker Wellington Nem will miss out after being excluded from the squad due to injury.

CLICK HERE to follow the latest news from tonight's Champions League, including Manchester City v Bayern Munich and Shakhtar Donetsk v Manchester City

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45 pm

STATS…

This will be the first time that Manchester United have ever played the Ukrainian side in their history.

David Moyes has led United to their worst start to a Premier League season in 24 years in his maiden campaign as boss, but he has won his only game in the Champions League for United.

Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five games for the Red Devils.

Like United, Shakhtar also won their first Champions League group game by a two-goal margin. However they are currently third in the Ukrainian top flight, behind Metalist Kharhiv and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

ODDS…

Shakhtar to win: 3.15

Man United to win: 2.48

Draw: 3.45

TV: Live on Sky Sports 4, Wednesday, 7.30 pm