Confident Ryanhas belief in teammates

THEN CAME the news, just hours after that home victory, that Dinamo had dispensed with the services of manager Sergei Silkin following their 4-0 home thrashing by Moscow rivals Spartak, with caretaker coach Dmitri Khokhlov taking charge against United.

They need cool heads and a master plan.

Houston has vowed to attack Dinamo and he will be a man of his word.

However, United will be up against a team hurting from a barrage of criticism and the dramatic departure of their coach.

Whether the exit of Sergei Silkin will work in the visitors’ favour or not will only become clear after kick-off.

However, United midf ielder Richie Ryan certainly does not think the task is beyond him and his teammates.

It will be a long way from his native Tipperary to the Arena Khimki for Ryan but the Irishman is determined to do himself proud under pressure tonight.

“There is no reason why we can’t create chances against them and come away with the victory we need,” said Ryan, who joined his teammates at Dinamo’s ground for a training session last night.

“It is going to be very important for us to retain the ball and to keep things tight in defence when we don’t have possession.

“The players are ready though. We are well up for it.

“We have lads who can more than hold their own in this type of company – the likes of Johnny Russell and John Rankin to name but a couple.

“We have some very good players in our ranks, technically-gifted footballers.

“At United we play the game the way it should be played and it is always nice to have confidence in the players around you. “That will help us. “We believe in other.”

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United players are put through a light training session at Dinamo Moscow’s Arena Khimki last night.