Sir Alex Ferguson believes Man Utd can still reach the Europa League quarter-finals after admitting Athletic Bilbao were the better team.
Man Utd boss admits Bilbao were the better team at Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can still reach the Europa League quarter-finals after admitting his side were beaten by a better team in the 3-2 defeat by Athletic Bilbao.
United turned in another sloppy home performance in Europe this season to leave their hopes of progression hanging in the balance in a week's time.
Wayne Rooney had given United the lead before converting a stoppage-time penalty to give his team hope after Bilbao had delivered a dominant second-half display.
Ferguson was disappointed with the quality of his team's defending at Old Trafford, but is not giving up hope of overturning the scoreline in San Mames.
Back foot
"We were well beaten, I have to say they were the better team," said the United manager.
"I thought our defending wasn't very good tonight and that kept us on the back foot all the time. Our attacking play was very good at times and it was an open, entertaining match. But Bilbao were the better side.
"We can still win the game. No question. We showed we can make chances against them, but obviously we have to defend better.
"I need to really look and see how we can maybe bring Rio Ferdinand in without disrupting the league programme."
Ferguson criticised referee Florian Meyer's decision to award Athletic a free-kick in the build-up to their third goal, apparently because Patrice Evra passed the ball after his boot had come off.
He added: "The third goal, I don't know how you describe it. The referee's stopped play...the issue that Patrice didn't have a boot on, they say you're not allowed to do that. But he only passed it about two feet."
