United suffer defeat in Greece

Manchester United have given themselves a mountain to climb if they are going to make this season’s Champions League quarter finals after losing the first leg of their last sixteen tie 2-0 to Greek champions Olympiakos.

Goals either side of half time from Alejandro Dominguez and Joel Campbell, who is on loan at the club from Arsenal secured victory for Michel’s side, who will travel to Old Trafford for the second leg in three weeks’ time.

United were at best lacklustre, with Robin van Persie registering their one and only shot on target in the 89th minute.

To make the last eight, they will now need to overturn a two-goal deficit – something they haven’t done in Europe since they beat a Barcelona side containing Diego Maradona 3-0 at Old Trafford in March 1984 under Ron Atkinson.

However, Michael Carrick, whose performance in particular was criticised by the former wearer of the United number 16 shirt, Roy Keane, has refused to rule out their chances of progressing in the competition. Sky Sports understands.

The midfielder has also denied that the club’s form this season is a result of losing former manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence from the side-lines.