Manchester: Manchester United defender Patrice Evra feels that his side’s poor form in Europe this year was down to overconfidence.
For the 30-year-old and his teammates, it has been a season of disappointment in Europe after crashing out of both the Champions League and Europa League in the early stages of both the competitions.
"We haven't played in Europe this season with the same desire that we have in the league," Evra said. "We can see the difference in the league - we are top, and we are more focused on the league, we have to tell the truth."
"I don't know why that is. If I knew the answer, it wouldn't have happened."
United were knocked out of the group stages of the Champions League in a group featuring Basel, Benfica and Otelul Galati, and were forced into the Europa League, where they were defeated in both legs of the last-16 tie against Athletic Bilbao.
"We think in the beginning of the Champions League, we’ve been too confident,” Evra told reporters. "We think 'we have the name, we are going to pass the tour' and after we’ve been out against Basel."
Many thought United should make it to the Europa League final, but their poor home form in Europe saw them just edge a nervy last-32 tie against Ajax, with a 2-0 victory away sparing their blushes.
However, they were finally put to the sword in the next round after successive losses to Athletic Bilbao, going down 3-2 at home and 2-1 away for a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
The French international did not deny his disappointment in his side’s European campaign this season.
He said, "It’s a bad year in Europe for Manchester United. We have to agree with that. That's it."
Focus will now shift onto the Premier League for Ferguson's team, and beating rivals Manchester City to the title. They will look to bounce back from their midweek disappointment against Wolves on Sunday.
"We have to win the league to save our season. If we don't win the league, it will have been a really bad season," United defender Patrice Evra told MUTV.
"I'm not worried about the league because we are playing well and now we are top, in front of Manchester City."
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