Respect is the key for Moyes’ boys

DAVID Moyes and David de Gea are in total agreement: Manchester United can’t afford to take Real Sociedad lightly in the Champions League tonight.

United go into the match with seven points from their three Group A outings, and need one more win to reach what Sir Alex Ferguson believed would be passage to the knockout stage.

Given their opponents have yet to score even a draw after a 10-year absence from the contest, the task appears straightforward.

“I certainly won’t take anything for granted,” said Moyes. “I have a lot of respect for Sociedad, and we will have to play well if we are going to get those 10 points.”

De Gea added: “It’s very difficult to play at the level Real Madrid and Barcelona are at. They might not be at the top level yet but it's obvious Real Sociedad have been playing great football over the years.”

United’s task has been made slightly more tricky by the absence of Jonny Evans, Rafael and Tom Cleverley.

The trio had to be replaced at half-time during the weekend win at Fulham. Their absence from yesterday’s flight places a question mark over their availability for Sunday’s crucial Premier League encounter with leaders Arsenal.

United can’t actually qualify with two games remaining, but it is remarkable how smooth their progress has been compared to their early-season troubles.