Manchester United midfielder Fred says the focus is firmly set on the Europa League tie against Sheriff Tiraspol after the change in plans of late.
Following the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen, which preceded the 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford last Thursday, our weekend Premier League clash at Crystal Palace was called off as a mark of respect.
It has since been announced that Sunday's game against Leeds United has also been postponed due to the funeral taking place on Monday.
It means that today's game will be our last before this month's international break and Fred says the Reds fully understand the challenge that awaits in the 17:45 BST kick-off, in Chisinau.
“It’s going to be a difficult game against a good team,”
he explained to club media. “Sheriff are a high-quality team. Unfortunately, we lost our first game, so we have to look to win. We know it won’t be an easy game but we’ll do everything to come away with the win.”
The fact Sheriff started their Group E campaign with a superb 3-0 away win at Omonia Nicosia suggests they will be awkward opponents in our final game before the international break.
“They beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last season,” said Fred. “They’ve started the competition well so it won’t be an easy game. They’re a good team, hard to play against, and their fans will be behind them.
“But we’re Manchester United. We must always look to win.”
The disappointment against Real Sociedad means there is less margin for any error, particular in terms of trying to top the group, with the runners-up due to play a team dropping out of the Champions League, in the play-offs next year.
“We didn’t have a great game against Real Sociedad,”
accepted the midfielder. “It wasn’t a good result for us. We need to get points and do everything to finish in first place.
“The next few games will be difficult but we need to be focused on winning them.”