United shifts into desperation mode

With hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League fading, Manchester United approaches Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first-leg match at Greek champion Olympiakos desperate for a positive result.

Not only does the competition represent United's last realistic hope of silverware this season - it may need to win the Champions League just to qualify for next season's tournament.

United is currently 11 points below Liverpool, which occupies the fourth and final Champions League place. With only 11 games remaining, qualification via the league might already be too difficult a task.