United got what they deserved - Evra

16 March 2012 00:16

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra said his side had got what they deserved after being eliminated from the Europa League by Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

United needed to overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg, but they never looked like troubling Marcelo Bielsa's slick side and went out after a one-sided 2-1 loss at San Mames saw them beaten 5-3 on aggregate.

It was the latest setback in a string of European disappointments for United, who meekly exited the Champions League at the group phase after losing 2-1 at Swiss champions FC Basel in December.

"It has been a bad year in Europe for Manchester United. We have had a difficult season," said Evra, who captained United in Bilbao.

"We have been more focused in the league, I don't know why. You have to be honest and say we don't deserve to be in the Champions League or the Europa League this season."

Beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in last season's Champions League final, United now find themselves without a major final to look forward to for the first time since the 2001-02 season.

Their only hope of silverware rests with the defence of their Premier League title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side currently lead nearest rivals Manchester City by a point, ahead of their trip to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

Source: AFP