Manchester United Crisis: David Moyes Accepts Blame for Disastrous Form

David Moyes has taken "full responsibility" for his side's woeful back to back home defeats as the Manchester United boss prepares his depleted side for their final Champions League group game.

Consecutive 1-0 defeats to Everton and Newcastle United last week have darkened the mood around Old Trafford, and new reports suggest five first-team players were forced to sit out of a training session at the Aon training complex ahead of the visit of Shakhtar Donetsk.

The former Everton boss confirmed in his latest press conference that the defensive trio of Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra and summer signing Marouane Fellaini are all major doubts for the final group tie against the Ukrainian champions. But despite the mounting pressure, the Scot was quick to stress how quickly things can turn around.

"It's tough because we expect to win all the games," he told reporters.

"I think there is a bit of everything that we could improve. We'd like to pass it better, create more chances and defend better. It is all round we have to improve but it was only a few weeks ago when we beat Arsenal and Leverkusen and were talking about how well the team was playing.

"I take complete responsibility for the results. Fortunately we have been good in the Champions League but not so much the Premier League. We want the results to be better and I'm sure they will.

"I think in recent games we haven't finished how we'd like to and we have to improve that and make sure it happens. We couldn't find a way of getting a goal back in the last two games.

"Yes the players are hurting because they are used to winning and when they don't, it hurts them. They care very much about the team and club. They are a good bunch of lads and will respond in the right way, I am sure of that."

With Wayne Rooney back from suspension for Tuesday's clash, the United boss also welcomes back Shinji Kagawa who missed the defeat at the weekend. In an unusual circumstance, the Japan international had to have his stomach pumped after eating too much, but will be available for the game against Shakhtar with United needing just a point to top their group.