Friday 11 March 2016 13:13, UK
Chris Smalling admits that Manchester United will find it difficult to progress in the Europa League after suffering defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday.
United struggled to contain an impressive Reds side who deservedly secured a 2-0 lead heading into next Thursday's last 16 second leg at Old Trafford.
Jurgen Klopp's men took an early lead through a Daniel Sturridge penalty in what was the first ever European meeting between the two clubs.
Roberto Firmino doubled the home side's advantage midway through the second half and the scoreline could have been even worse for United, if not for a fine performance in goal from David de Gea.
The Red Devils mustered just one shot on target in the match but Smalling believes his side still have a chance of qualifying for the competition's quarter-finals.
"No matter the result, it was never going to be over tonight, but I think we could have done with getting an away goal," the defender said.
"We know we've got a difficult job on our hands. They had a lot of runners coming from midfield and we were defending a lot of the time.
"I think our wingers were having to defend a lot, so whenever we won the ball back we couldn't really sustain it and keep it. In that first half, we sort of found it very difficult.
"I think we couldn't get up the pitch in that first half. In the second half we were a little bit more comfortable, without creating too many chances - we could have really done with getting that away goal.
"I think if you get the away goal, you can be a bit more positive," Smalling added.
"It is now on us to rectify it next week in front of our own fans. I think the first goal is going to be crucial.
"I think night games have a different edge to them and I think our fans will be right behind us. It's down to us to deliver and put on a better performance than we did tonight."
United's focus now turns to Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final tie at home to West Ham. With Europa League progression now looking increasingly unlikely, the FA Cup could be the club's last realistic chance of silverware this season.
Smalling says his teammates need to make the most of their home advantage in both of next week's cup fixtures.
"We're obviously disappointed, but we need to recover and turn our attentions to Sunday," he said.
"We haven't got long until another game and we need to make sure we are as fresh as we can because it is another competition where we need to progress.
"We're all disappointed, but knowing we've now got two home games in both of those competitions, it's on us to take the game to West Ham and then move onto Liverpool."
