Man Utd Fan CLub

Sunday 18 March 2012

Evra: We Lacked Desire

Patrice Evra has conceded that Manchester United do not deserve to continue in European competition this year and provided a brutally honest assessment of his team's performance.

Evra, 30, was part of Manchester United's side in both legs of the club's Europa League defeat to Athletic Bilbao, but believes the club's European woes have been a season-long concern.

"From the beginning it was a disaster, first in the Champions League, the Europa League now," said the France defender. "We have to tell the truth. We never played well and we are out.

"We never played with the same desire that we played in the league in Europe this year. We have to accept that. Maybe we were too confident at the beginning of the Champions League. We thought we would go through and we went out against Basle.

"It has been a bad year in Europe for Manchester United. We have to agree with that. You can see the difference. We have been more focused on the league. Now we have to win the league to save our season. If we don't, it will have been a really bad season.''

When pressed on the disappointment, the French defender was at a loss to explain his team's performance in continental competition. However, Evra was also quick to lavish praise on Athletic for their performance in the Round of 16 tie.

"I don't know why," said Evra. "If I had the answer it wouldn't have happened.

"We didn't start well in Europe this year and in the end we have gone out again. We have to be honest with ourselves, we don't deserve to be in the Champions League and the Europa League.''

"They played very well. They deserved to win both games and could have scored more goals. I give them a lot of credit. They can reach the final. They run everywhere. They have the right spirit, better than us. That is why they win.''

With Manchester United set for battle with Wolves on Sunday, the Red Devils have little time to dwell on their defeat before they return to the quest for Premier League supremacy.

Evra though, who has captained Manchester United in the absence of Nemanja Vidic this season, believes that his side will not suffer from the after-effects of a Europa League hangover in the domestic clash.

"Of course we can bounce back,'' said Evra. "I am not worried about the league because we have always done well.

"Now we are at the top of the league we don't want to be second. We have to focus on Wolves. It is a big game, a massive game. We have to make sure we win. A big club like Manchester United should be able to compete in every competition.''

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