Fergie's alarm call for 'careless' United ahead of Bilbao test
By Chris Wheeler for the Daily Mail
Sir Alex Ferguson called on Manchester United to sort out their faltering form in Europe and told his players: 'It’s time to wake up.'
United take on Athletic Bilbao for a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday having won just one of four home games in European competition — and that against Romanian minnows Otelul Galati in the Champions League.
Ajax caused a 2-1 upset at Old Trafford a fortnight ago when another goal for them would have condemned United to a second early exit in Europe this season.
Practice makes perfect: Patrice Evra, Park Ji-sung and Rio Ferdinand preparing to face Athletic Bilbao
Ferguson blamed himself for that defeat and admitted tinkering with his team may have contributed to their problems as he predicted a tough first leg against the Spanish side.
‘It’s a game in which we need to wake up, there’s no question about that,’ he said.
All smiles: Sir Alex Ferguson jokes with his training staff during Manchester United training on Wednesday
Back to business: But the Scot was serious again at his press conference later in the afternoon
‘Some of our European form this season has been disappointing but it’s an opportunity to progress and we have to take it.
'I don’t know if we’re making too many changes in these games. But we made mistakes in the Champions League group stage, so it’s our own fault.
‘The Basle game will always be remembered for the carelessness of our performance.
‘We’ll play a strong side tomorrow and, hopefully, that will make a difference, but it will need a good performance. It’s the best Athletic Bilbao team I’ve seen for years.’
David de Gea will face his compatriots tonight with Ferguson praising the Spain Under 21 keeper for making crucial saves in recent weeks, having regained his confidence following the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool in January.
It was not the first time De Gea has been taken out of the firing line, but he insists criticism makes him more determined to succeed in English football.
He said: ‘It only serves to make you a stronger person and encourage you to keep fighting and working hard.
'The important thing is not to let it get you down. It can almost be a positive.
'The time I spent on the bench I could reflect and regroup.
‘It made me more determined so, when I did get that opportunity to get back in the side, I grabbed it.’
Running the show: United striker Wayne Rooney makes a point during training at Carrington
Welcome back: Chris Smalling was training following his nasty clash of heads at Wembley last week
Although Ferguson was unable to give an update on Paul Pogba’s future yesterday, it is believed that the United boss met with chief executive David Gill at Carrington amid growing fears they will lose the highly-rated 18-year-old French midfielder to Juventus.
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