Wednesday, 5th September, 2012
Manchester United must do better in the Champions League this season, the club’s assistant manager Mike Phelan has stressed.
Last year saw a shock exit for the 2011 finalists at the group stage, as Swiss Super League champions Basel surprisingly bundled Sir Alex Ferguson’s team out of the competition.
The Red Devils entered the Europa League, something full-back Patrice Evra claimed was "embarrassing".
For Phelan, Manchester United have not lived up to their reputation on the continent for the last year – and so things must change this season, where he and Ferguson expect the side to do much, much better.
"Europe’s always big at this football club", Phelan told his club’s official site.
"The traditions are set within the European boundaries for Manchester United and we know we have to do better", he added.
"We let Europe slip from our grasp too easily last year.
"The players are conscious and aware of that, although we haven’t dwelled on it as that wouldn’t be positive. We’ve put it down as a blip, but we know we have to do better."
Manchester United have been handed what looks a favourable draw in the group stage – but the matches must still be won to avoid an upset.
Ferguson’s men have been placed with Portuguese outfit Braga, Turkish giants Galatasaray and upcoming Romanian club Cluj.
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