Manchester United on the brink of European exit

A GREEK tragedy unfolded for David Moyes in Athens as Arsenal loanee Joel Campbell scored a stunning goal to leave Manchester United on the brink of an early Champions League exit.

Campbell has not kicked a ball for the Gunners since signing in 2011, but he showed superb quality to score the second goal in a relatively straightforward 2-0 victory for Olympiacos.

Alejandro Dominguez’s clever backheel put the Greeks ahead in the first half and from then on in Moyes’ team rarely looked like being able to get back into the first leg of this last-16 tie.

Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic had talked up United’s chances of winning the Champions League in the build-up to the match, but it was easy to see why Moyes’ side were 25-1 shots to land the trophy going into this match in the port suburb of the Greek capital. They are now as long as 50-1.

Rooney worked tirelessly, and Vidic put in a solid performance at the back.

But United’s midfield, as it has done for much of this season, looked pedestrian.

Olympiacos, who are bidding to make the last eight for only the second time, made a mockery of the away side’s billing as favourites.

And without the cup-tied Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj, who was overlooked, United looked toothless in attack.

With United 11 points adrift of the top four in the Premier League, winning the Champions League may be the best way to get back into the competition next year, but they will have to win by three clear goals in the second leg on March 19.

Patrice Evra went into the book in the second minute, when he handled Campbell’s cross. But just when United started to settle into a rhythm, Olympiacos opened them up.

Chris Smalling slipped and the ball made its way to Dominguez, who ran through on goal.

Only a superb sliding tackle from Vidic stopped Olympiacos taking the lead.

What followed was a tepid 20-minute period of play.

United always took the safe option on the attack.

Olympiacos pushed forward, meaning Rooney spent as much time in his own half as the opposition’s.

The energetic Dominguez blotted his copy book by play acting while trying to win a penalty, but he soon cleverly put Olympiacos ahead.

Maniatis took advantage of Evra’s weak clearance, driving at the defence before unleashing a low shot which Dominguez diverted past De Gea with a clever backheel.

United hung on until halftime, but nine minutes after the break their troubles worsened as Olympiacos doubled their lead.

The finish – this time struck by Campbell – was another top-class effort.

The winger, who has spent time on loan at Real Betis and Lorient, just about kept his balance after nutmegging Michael Carrick and he then curled a stunning shot around Rio Ferdinand and the sprawling De Gea from 20 yards.

United barely threatened thereafter. Van Persie slammed a shot into the crowd from inside the box, but that was about it.