‘Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie vital to Man United form’

David Moyes is backing “vital” duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie to fire Manchester United past Olympiacos and into the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Red Devils travel to Greece on the back of their 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, where second-half goals from Van Persie and Rooney secured victory over the Eagles.

And with injuries having restricted the pair’s appearances together this season, Moyes is understandably delighted to have them back available.

“They’re both vital to a lot of the things we do. They’re both excellent players,” Moyes said.

“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 goal-scorers 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.”

Olympiacos v Man United: Pre-match facts

• Olympiacos are looking for a third straight home success in the competition after victories over Benfica and Anderlecht.

• United are undefeated on their European travels this term, having drawn at Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Sociedad and beaten Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 – their first five-goal victory in the competition since 1965.

• Shinji Kagawa’s Borussia Dortmund beat Olympiacos 3-1 at home but lost 1-0 away in the 2011-12 group stage.

• United have scored 548 goals in Uefa competition and conceded 297.