Ferguson - Utd were underrated

United boss says his side deserve more credit

Last updated: 24th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ferguson - Utd were underrated

Ferguson: Competition is tough

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Sir Alex Ferguson believes the way Europe's big clubs have struggled in the UEFA Champions League proves that Manchester United's achievement in reaching consecutive finals has been underestimated.

While United have already qualified for the knockout phase, the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all facing the prospect of crashing out of the competition.

AC Milan and Real Madrid have also struggled to make a case for themselves as tournament favourites with their performances in a group containing Marseille and FC Zurich.

"There are one or two more difficult groups than we anticipated," said Ferguson.

"The one with Rubin Kazan, Barcelona, Dynamo Kiev and Inter Milan is a real group of death.

Struggling

"Madrid and Milan are in the same group and they are finding it difficult. Bayern Munich are struggling and Liverpool could be another big team out.

"It shows how tough it is to retain the cup as we nearly did and maybe our achievement has been underestimated because you see how difficult the others are finding it."

Ferguson will continue to introduce a steady stream of youngsters into his squad when United play Besiktas at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

The likes of Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson, Gabriel Obertan and Federico Macheda will all get their chance as the home side look to confirm their status as Group B winners.

"We could have a non-event game if we wanted to," said Ferguson. "But that is not the way we want it to be.

Challenge

"We want an exciting game and we will do our best to challenge the young players who do play."

There is something for United to play for, although they would also require Wolfsburg to falter in Moscow for top spot to be assured.

"We are in a good position," Ferguson added.

"There is always an issue about whether it makes a difference between finishing first or second in the group, especially when you look at some of the groups, but we will be trying to be number one."