Evra feels embarrassed

Patrice Evra: Forced to accept that he will be turning out in the Europa League in 2012

Patrice Evra claims it is 'embarrassing' that Manchester United will be turning out in the Europa League, but admits they only have themselves to blame.

The Red Devils crashed out of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday following a shock 2-1 defeat to FC Basel.

United, who reached the final of Europe's premier club competition in 2010/11, could only muster a third place finish in Group C.

It is only the third time in 17 years that the reigning Premier League champions have crashed out of the tournament at the group stage.

Evra is experiencing such a setback for the first time in his Old Trafford career, and the French full-back concedes that United were responsible for their own downfall.

"We have to be honest and say we haven't been professional from the beginning of this competition," he said.

"I don't know why, but maybe one or two of us have to look in the mirror and say we can do a lot better than we have done.

"It is embarrassing to be in the Europa League. Some players dream of playing for United in any competition and you have to respect that, but the way I feel now, it is Champions League or nothing. "
Patrice Evra Quotes of the week

Lesson

"There is always a lesson to be learned because, in the beginning everyone thought United would finish first in the group, with the teams we were drawn against.

"But in the end we came to qualify and we haven't got the job done. I don't have the words to describe how it feels all I can say is that it is a sad day.

"It feels like a dream and that I will wake up tomorrow and we will have qualified. But it is not a dream it is the reality and we should have woken up earlier in this competition. We deserve to be out.

"But it is embarrassing to be in the Europa League. Some players dream of playing for United in any competition and you have to respect that, but the way I feel now, it is Champions League or nothing.

"It is not just about tonight, though. It is about the whole competition. We threw away a chance to qualify.

"We have to get back to work and show that we are Man United and that we never die.

"If the players don't believe the team are good enough to bounce back, then they can go and ask the gaffer not to play but I believe in the team."