Alex Ferguson – Manchester United were “well beaten” by Athletic Bilbao

Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Manchester United were “well betaen” by Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League round of 16 first-leg tie, aditting that his defence had a disappointing time.

Despite Wayne Rooney’s double, a strong Athletic Bilbao defeated Manchester United outfit by 2-3, at the Old Trafford, on Thursday evening’s Europa League tie, and the Scotsman conceded the Spaniards’ merit in their victory.

“We were well beaten, Bilbao were the better team,” Ferguson told Channel 5.

“I thought our defending really wasn’t very good tonight, that kept us on the back foot all the time.”

On the other hand, the Red Devils boss stressed that his team still have chances of qualifying for the Europa League’s quarter-finals, despite Athletic’s vital three away goals.

“Our attacking play was very good at times. It was a really open match, an entertaining match. On the night Bilbao were the better team,” the 70-year-old added.

“We can win the game [at Bilbao next week], I don’t think there’s any question about that, we showed tonight that we can make chances against them.”

“Obviously we’re going to have to defend better, that goes without saying,” Ferguson concluded.

Europa League 2011/12 2012/03/08, 20:05, Manchester Man. United 2:3 Athletic  Wayne Rooney 22' 90+2' (p.s.)  Iker Muniain 90'  Óscar de Marcos 72'  Fernando Llorente 44' Video Watch video > Match Events >