Manchester United Ready for Sociedad Showdown
Manchester United have struggled to adapt to life under David Moyes.

Olympiakos boss Michel has vowed his team to "do everything in their power" to defeat Manchester United in the Champions League of last 16 first leg on Tuesday in Athens - but expressed his admiration for the Old Trafford giants.

The two clubs arrive at the match in markedly different form. While the Greeks have gone 19 games unbeaten, David Moyes's men are sixth in the Premier Legue, well off the pace at the top, having lost five of their last ten matches.

Michel was asked in an interview with Marca whether his team can prolong David Moyes' nightmare and he said: "I believe so - Under normal conditions we would have no chance. However, the passion and mood we displayed to get here will guide us so that we believe we can do something.

"We have to keep doing what we have done in the group stage. We do not consider the tie, just the match in Athens."

The former Real Madrid midfielder also discussed United in the post-Ferguson era, saying: "I cannot be quiet. We are talking about a historic team although they are not in their best moment. We have nothing to lose. We have educated players into thinking that we have to go for everything.

"United is a team that is transformed in Europe. They were great in the group stage and should not be under-estimated.

"Ferguson was the icon for a long time and to change that requires a process. I admire them because they are taking it with calmness."

Michel was asked about his prediction for this year's Champions League and he said: "Although I really like Bayern, I think Real Madrid is the favourite to win the Champions League undoubtedly. Real are playing at a high level."

About the situation in Real Madrid between Casillas and Diego Lopez he said: "It is very strange that the best goalkeeper in the world is going through this situation. Iker has no made a mistake yet and has been suffering for a year."