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David Moyes believes his Manchester United team must improve on the pitch if they stand any chance of progressing in this season's Champions League.
Phil Jones struck in the second-half against Shakhtar Donetsk to leave United top of Group A following a less than convincing performance against the Ukrainian side.
Having suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League at Old Trafford for the first time since 2002 against Everton and Newcastle, Moyes was pleased to see his side pick up a much-needed win - despite the indifferent performance.
"We didn't play particularly well in the opening 30 minutes - we were fortunate to still be 0-0. But we were much better in the second-half," said the Scot.
"I thought there wasn't much difference from both the Everton and Newcastle games. Tonight we got the goal and in those other games Everton and Newcastle got the goal."
Shakhtar dominated for large periods of the game with Alex Teixeira and Fred both going close for the visitors.
Ashley Young had the homes side's best chances but the wingers chip missed by inches before he badly sliced another good opportunity.
But it was Jones's volley on 67 minutes that left United in topping the group and avoiding teams such as Bayern Munich, Paris St Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona, who need a point from their game against Celtic on Wednesday night to finish as group winners, in the last 16.
"You want to try and win the group and I thought it was a difficult group," said Moyes.
"A lot has been said about me being inexperienced in the Champions League and to have my first real experience [in the competition] I am happy to top the group."
However Moyes believes his charges need to show they are capable of competing at the highest level on the pitch if they are going to stand and chance of progressing any further in the competition.
He added: "I think the club itself could easily be classed as one of the favourites.
"But we as a team have to improve if we are going to keep progressing in the competition. Hopefully we've given ourselves the best chance by winning the group."
