Revealed: Sir Alex Ferguson reveals what he expects from Man United
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he wants his former club Manchester United to focus on winning the Europa League this season.
Ferguson underlined that United have never won the Europa League before and that they have a great opportunity to add a new piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet.
The legendary former United manager stated that with the added bonus of guaranteeing a Champions League position the Europa League has become a sought after title.
“The thing is, we’ve never won the Europa League,” Ferguson was quoted as saying by ESPN in New York on Tuesday.
“We’ve never won UEFA Cup, what it used to be. And we’ve got a great draw. I’m not saying it’s a certainty, but they’ve got a great chance.
“It gets you into the Champions League, too — it didn’t used to but it does now, and so that’s a great incentive.”
United take on Anderlecht in the quarter-finals. The Red Devils could face either Besiktas, Lyon, Schalke, Ajax, Celta Vigo or Genk is they progress to the semi-final stage.
Besiktas also hold ambitions of winning the trophy for the first time. The reigning Turkish champions are currently first in the domestic league and take on Lyon in the last eight.
The Red Devils have already faced Turkish opposition in the competition this season, beating Fenerbahce at Old Trafford but losing in Istanbul.
United ended up finishing Group A as runners-up, behind Fenerbahce.
Ferguson also revealed that he expects United to push for the title in order to become the most successful club in England.
“And your CV gets bigger. If we won the Europa League? Fantastic. Add it to the European Cup, the Cup Winners’ Cup, the Champions League — It’s bigger and bigger. We also want to be the most successful club in England,” he added.