Bilbao inflict pain in Spain for United
ATHLETIC BILBAO 2 vs MAN UNITED 1
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side had been outclassed after they collapsed to their worst two-legged European defeat in the Scot’s 26-year reign at Old Trafford.
Trailing 3-2 from the first leg a week ago, United’s hopes of progressing to the quarter finals of the Europa League were remote enough before Fernando Llorente extended the Spanish side’s advantage with a majestic 23rd-minute volley.
Bilbao missed a host of chances after the break but eventually killed the tie shortly after the hour mark through Oscar de Marcos.
Wayne Rooney’s 27th goal of the season limited the damage but Ferguson was forced to concede his side had disappointed in Europe this season, also taking into account their group stage elimination from the Champions League last November.
“There is a route in terms of some of the goals we have lost in these tournaments. They have been pretty poor,” he said. “It has been a disappointing year.
“Feeling sorry for myself is not an issue for me. There is a disappointment but analysing the performances is more important and we have an important game on Sunday.”