United set for crunch clash with Olympiakos

Manchester United will be without defensive pair Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans for this evening’s crucial Champions League last sixteen second leg against Olympiakos at Old Trafford.

Juan Mata will also be absent having already represented Chelsea in this season’s competition, while Nani remains side-lined with hamstring problem though Javier Hernandez could feature.

The Premier League champions trail by two goals to nil after the Greek champions secured a shock victory in Piraeus three weeks ago, and must progress to the last eight to keep alive any realistic chance of being involved in next season’s competition.

Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool left David Moyes’ side twelve points off the Champions League qualifying places, with three of the sides currently sitting in the top four having played fewer matches.

Meanwhile, the club have denied reports that have suggested that there is a rift between the Manchester United manager and Ryan Giggs, according to Sky Sports.

The 40 year old, who has made just six league starts this season, was left out of the match-day squad at the weekend, and there were claims after the game that the pair had clashed.

However, a club spokesman has said that such rumours are “completely false”.