Dimitar Berbatov gave a brutal verdict on Manchester United's Champions League failure as he hit out at a lack of "consistency and concentration".
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United knocked out of EuropeFinished bottom of the groupBerbatov believes United do not deserve to progressWHAT HAPPENED?
The victory over Chelsea seems to be in the distant past as results have taken a nose dive since that victory in early December. After a shock 3-0 Premier League home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, Erik ten Hag's men followed it up with another loss to Bayern Munich. This saw them get knocked out of Europe altogether as it condemned them to the fourth spot in the group. As a result, Berbatov has no words of consolation for the Red Devils and instead believes that they got what they deserved.
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Speaking to , Berbatov said: "It's disappointing for everyone to finish below Copenhagen and Galatasaray in the Champions League. The performances based on results were not good enough. No European football for Man United is bad because Old Trafford is about European nights. They weren't good in the Champions League and they deserved to go out. Some people will be angry because, with all due respect to Copenhagen and Galatasaray, you shouldn't finish last in that group.
"Even if you look good and lose, it's not good enough because in the Champions League group stage, you need the points to qualify. It's about the results. Obviously if results aren't there, you'll finish last. Yes, there were games where the team looked okay, played well, but again if you don't know how to continue well throughout the whole game, then you're going to suffer. The consistency and concentration was not there. So they've finished last in the group and they'll feel embarrassed."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
United have little time to regroup as they travel to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool in their next Premier League clash. However, Berbatov believes that it is time the squad hit the rest button and start afresh to make a statement with a victory over Jurgen Klopp's men.
"You are in a type of form that you don't want to be in when you play Liverpool – that's the problem," he said. "Of course, there's hope – there is always hope! Especially when it's a derby. United are coming off the back of two defeats, but when it's a derby you expect the boys to understand what this game is about. Even though they have lost the previous two games, United still have to believe they can beat Liverpool on Sunday. It doesn't matter how hard it is. The chance is there. Liverpool are the favourites on paper, based on the results, but in games like this, the hope is always there, as long as you don't make stupid mistakes.
"Just forget about the last two games. Try to get the positives out of the performances when you play. Just imagine that this is the first game of the Premier League season and it so happens you play against Liverpool, so you go out there and show you're ready for the battle. That's it. There is no big philosophy. Just keep it simple. It's going to be tough, but United have surprised people before when they've been in bad positions by winning."
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Ten Hag's job is reportedly on the line after the defeat to Bayern in the Champions League. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to be monitoring the situation closely and if the Dutch tactician cannot turn around the fortunes of the club then a string of names are being discussed to replace him – which include Julen Lopetegui and ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter. A victory over Liverpool will be a shot in the arm but the mounting injury crisis makes the job even harder for the Red Devils.
