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Ferguson: We paid the penalty

by Michelle Fortune , 08 December 2011

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his squad to use their Champions League exit as motivation to drive on in the Premier League.


Manchester United only needed a draw against FC Basel to progress to the knockout stages of the competition but they struggled throughout the Group C clash and were on the back foot from the ninth minute when Marco Streller put the Swiss outfit in front.

It is six years since United exited the competition at the group stages and, while obviously disappointed, Ferguson is hopeful that his young crop of players will learn from the experience and use it as motivation for the future.

"Of course we're disappointed, there's no other way you can feel. It's part of football. You have to deal with the disappointment, and this club has used it as motivation many times," Ferguson told reporters.

"These young players will feel disappointed tonight but they'll have to cope with it and go on with their careers.

"Our results in the last few years have been outstanding. It's a loss because it's the best tournament in the world. It's a marvellous tournament."

United’s penalty for an early Champions League exit is entry into the Europa League and Ferguson admits that could have a bearing on their season as it means playing on Thursdays and Sundays.

"The (Europa League) is a competition I've never been in with United. It does mean one thing, it's right through Thursdays and Sundays, so that's got to be dealt with," he continued.

"It's not the best. That's our penalty for not qualifying tonight."

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