Fergie: Give me a dream ending

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 by The Sun

ALEX FERGUSON set his sights on a Europa League dream after a Champions League nightmare.

Manchester United tonight face Ajax, gracing Channel 5 on a Thursday for the first time.

Boss Ferguson admits they threw away the chance of a fourth Champions League final in five years by going out in the group stage.

United twice drew with Benfica, blew a lead to draw 3-3 at home to Basel and lost their final group game against the Swiss.

Ferguson said: "We didn't expect it but it happened and we have to get on with it. You look at the teams in this competition and it is a challenge."

It is still a challenge they did not want and Fergie admitted they had expected to get through and still be in Europe's premier competition.

He said: "We threw it away against Basel in the home game and were unlucky against Benfica.

"That caught us short, to be honest, and we suffered for it.

"Now players are coming back and we can combine the Premier League and Europa League with the number of players available. Winning a European trophy is significant.

"I feel good about it — it is a tournament we will try and win.

"There's a final in Romania. I want to be there and they want to be there and so do our supporters."

While United are favourites in this competition, Ferguson says he will not underestimate anyone.

Ajax might be struggling in the Dutch league but Ferguson knows their very name carries a threat.

He said: "We must respect all our opposition, we had that lesson from Basel this season.

"Whichever team you play in the Europa League, they are capable of producing players.

"I worry about Ajax's history more than I do any particular players. I respect that history."

Wayne Rooney says he is looking forward to the competition but is hoping to come out better than the last time he played here in the Amsterdam Arena for United.

The striker was sent off in a pre-season tournament in 2006 for elbowing Pepe of FC Porto.

That led to a three match ban at the start of the following campaign.

Rooney said: "I think it was a very controversial red card and I didn't deserve it. It was a long time ago and in the past.

"I'm really enjoying my football and the team are really playing well at the minute.

"We've had some difficult games but come out of it really well.

"As a player, I feel I've matured on the pitch — maybe cut out some silly bookings that I did get in the past.

"So I hope that continues as well as my form for the rest of the season."