Fergie: United must find extra gear in Europe

Alex Ferguson has demanded that his Manchester United players “waken” from their slumbers against Athletic Bilbao tonight in order to protect their European status.

For so many years United have used their form at Old Trafford as the basis to launch deep inroads into the Champions League. This term has been very different, however.

Ferguson accepts his side never recovered from tossing away a two-goal lead against Swiss outfit FC Basel on match day two, a further home draw with Benfica helping to condemn them to a group stage exit for the first time since 2005.

But United have found it no easier in the Europa League, where they almost contrived to get knocked out despite at one stage boasting a three-goal aggregate lead to Ajax.

The Red Devils chief accepts if his side want to prolong their stay in the competition, they must do better, especially as they are now facing a team that is fifth in La Liga and have booked a Copa del Rey final encounter with Barcelona in addition to their conquests in Europe.

“It is a game in which we need to waken up,” said Ferguson.

“Some of our European form this season has been disappointing. I don’t know whether we are making too many changes. “Obviously I will be playing a strong team and hopefully that makes a difference because it is going to be a very difficult game.”

Domestically, Sunday’s win at Tottenham was United’s 10th on the road this term, twice the number they managed in the whole of last season, and leaves them just two points adrift of Manchester City having completed their most testing run of fixtures.

“It is going to be an exciting time for the club,” said Ferguson.

“We had a fantastic result on Sunday. Hopefully that gives us the impetus to have a real go at this league.”

Ferguson is wary of the threat Athletic Bilbao will pose tonight.

“They press the ball very well and are not afraid to flood players forward,” said Ferguson. “They are very positive and have a particularly dangerous centre-forward in Fernando Llorente. He is a great header of the ball and his goalscoring record is very good.

“They have very strong self-belief and that is something we have to be prepared for.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has revealed the criticism he endured in his early days at Old Trafford only served to inspire him. De Gea initially struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and saw his form criticised in some quarters.

“I did receive one or two bits of criticism at the start of the season,” said De Gea. “But it only served to make me a stronger person.

“It encouraged me to keep fighting and keep working hard.

“The important thing is not to let yourself get down because you can turn it around.

“Through hard work, I have waited for my chance and grabbed it.

“Fortunately now I am showing some good form.

“I hope this can continue right the way through until the end of the campaign.”