Moyes buoyed by 'vital' Rooney & Van Persie partnership

The Red Devils manager believes his strike duo will be decisive in big games following their return to full fitness as the club return to Champions League action this week.

 

David Moyes has backed Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie to fire Manchester United past Olympiakos on Tuesday evening.

Injuries have hampered the partnership between Rooney and Van Persie this season but the duo both struck on Saturday to secure a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

United face the Greek champions in the first leg of their round-of-16 Champions League tie in Athens and Moyes insists his first-choice pairing can be decisive for the remainder of the campaign.

"They’re both vital to a lot of the things we do. They’re both excellent players," the Scot told reporters.

"Our record with them is far better than our record without them, that’s for sure. Both have had injuries - Robin much longer than Wayne - and both have got themselves back into shape.

"They’re both goalscorers and they’re scoring goals, which is great for us. That’s why they’re top players - they score in big games and make the big moments."