Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has labelled the fact the club will compete in the Europa League an embarrassment.

 

The English champions were beaten 2-1 by Swiss giants Basel at St. Jakob Park last night, ensuring they finished third in Group C and did not qualify for the Champions League knockout phase.

 

It is only the third time in 17 years that Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have not negotiated the group stage.

 

And for Evra the situation is nothing but a nightmare.

 

"We should have woken up earlier in this competition", said the French international.

 

"It feels like a dream. I feel I will wake up tomorrow and we will have qualified. But it is not a dream, it is reality."

 

The defender then spoke of the humiliation at having to turn out on Thursday nights in the Europa League.

 

"Even if it is a friendly, when I pull on a United shirt I do my best to win that trophy.

 

"But it is embarrassing to be in the Europa League.

 

"I play for Manchester United to play in the Champions League but some players dream of playing for United in any competition and you have to respect that."

 

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