Man Utd scored two late goals to beat Juventus 2-1 in the Champions League
Wednesday 7 November 2018 23:02, UK
Manchester United late win against Juventus is a "major boost" before Sunday's Manchester derby, Andy Cole and Craig Bellamy told The Debate.
Jose Mourinho's side scored two late goals to beat Juventus 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday after Cristiano Ronaldo had put the Italians ahead.
The result massively increased United's chances of making the knockout rounds, and former United striker Cole says it will also be a big confidence booster ahead of their showdown with local rivals Manchester City, live on Sky Sports this Sunday.
"Today is a massive result because I'm not sure how many people expected Man Utd to go there and get a win," he said.
"For me, I thought if they left with a draw, it would have been a real positive result because Juventus have been so strong at home but to come away with a win, it's a big result, especially with the derby at the weekend.
"Everyone will be buzzing with that result. It's a major, major boost and Jose Mourinho will be delighted as will everyone flying home tonight.
"You look at the two other games now and Man Utd really have to be looking to qualify - well not looking to qualify, they should qualify. But as we know in football, anything is possible. There will be another tough game in Spain against Valencia and the next two games will sort the group out for Man Utd."
Bellamy agreed with his fellow panellist on The Debate and believes Man Utd have all but qualified for the next stage of the Champions League.
"The dominance Juventus showed at Old Trafford a few weeks ago - there was a big gap," he added.
"Over the last two years, Juventus have been gunning for this competition and they are one of the in-form teams in Europe at this moment so credit to Man Utd.
"After watching the first game, I wouldn't have given them a chance of getting a result, especially after Ronaldo's goal, but it's credit to their character because it's a massive win, not just for the Champions League but also going into the Man City game at the weekend. What a huge boost it is for them.
"You look at their remaining two games, and all they need is one win. That's how big that result is tonight. If they had lost, they would have needed the two and Valencia away is always going to be difficult.
"It's such a bonus for them to win that game now and I believe they have qualified."
Watch the Manchester derby live on Renault Super Sunday from 4.15pm and catch The Debate every weekday evening from 10pm, both on Sky Sports Premier League.
