Manchester United victory over Shakhtar Donetsk can boost confidence, claims Alex Buttner

United will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend against Aston Villa

Manchester United manager David Moyes salutes the home fans after their Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United defender Alex Buttner admits the players do look at their own performances when results go badly but hopes their Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk will provide a springboard to improved domestic results.

The 1-0 win courtesy of Phil Jones' second-half strike ensured David Moyes' side topped Group A and avoided a third successive home defeat for the first time since 1962.

United have not won in the Premier League since November 10 when they beat leaders Arsenal at Old Trafford but they head to Villa Park on Sunday looking to get their season back on track.

"We are the players and if we lose we have to look to ourselves but I think we did well against Shakhtar," the Dutch left-back said.

"It is hard for everyone when we don't win at home. That is why we fought for every ball and you could see everyone doing that.

"It was good for the team and after recent games to win is good for confidence. It was a very important win.

"We have been a bit unlucky in the league but we have done well in the Champions League and hopefully we can go on a run in the league and beat Villa in the next game."

Buttner was deputising for the injured Patrice Evra against the Ukrainian club but after only 20 minutes of football since the end of October he started to struggle late on and was eventually replaced by Antonio Valencia.

Follow the latest news from tonight's Champions League games by CLICKING HERE

Moyes said Evra's injury was not too serious so the Frenchman may well come back for the Villa game but Buttner is ready to take his chance should the opportunity arise.

"I had cramp in my calf because I've not played for a long time, that was my first game in a month and the last few minutes I was tired," he added.

"I am okay for the weekend. I don't know whether Patrice's injury is bad.

"It is nice to play more games and I hope I can play but I have to wait as it will be the choice of the manager."

Striker Wayne Rooney, captain for the night, admitted victory was the only acceptable outcome after their recent struggles.

"The most important thing was to get back to winning ways and top the group so we've done that," he told uefa.com.

"It could have been better at times but thankfully we got the win. (It was) win at all costs - after the last two games we knew it was vital.

"We got a good result and if you'd have said beforehand that we'd win the game after the last two results, we'd have certainly taken that.

"The campaign has been good this year in Europe so we just have to try and get that consistency in all our games, whether it is Europe or the Premier League.

"Hopefully we can do that in the upcoming games and get back in a good position."

PA

More on Manchester United...

Rooney rejects contract talks - reports

Five reasons why Moyes has got off to such a bumpy start

Comment: Moyes recycles endlessly for green shoots of revival

Keane slams Young as 'not good enough' and labels Rio performance 'ridiculous'

Manchester United 1 Shakhtar Donetsk 0 match report

United win will boost confidence, says Buttner

United must 'improve to progress', admits Moyes

Moyes at a loss to explain Premier League woes