Mike Phelan believes the Manchester United’s early exit in last season’s Champions League was nothing more than a ‘blip’
Phelan also stresses that the reds need to improve in the 2012 / 2013 European campaign after last season was the first time that Manchester United have failed to reach the knock-out stage in six years.
This season’s draw see’s the reds go up against Braga, Galatasaray and 1907 Cluj in Group H.
Phelan admis that United’s displays last season were not at the level expected as a club and that the players are aware what they need to do this term.
Speaking to manutd.com, Phelan said:
“Europe’s always big at this football club, The traditions are set within the European boundaries for Manchester United and we know we have to do better.”
“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.”
After Manchester United’s last two fixtures have ended in a 3-2 victories, Phelan said:
“You learn it’s a team game, even though individuals change matches, Everybody has to be fully focused for the entire match – from first to last whistle.”
“I think we also know that we need to score plenty of goals. The old days of being able to win the league by grinding out 1-0 victories is gone.”
“In this league now, every goal counts so we want to create more chances and score more goals. We also have to defend well as a unit. All those elements are very important.”
