Reds aiming for Europe
Premier League title success capped off an excellent campaign for the Reds last term, but the signings of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson indicate that the semi final exit in the Champions League hurt Sir Alex Ferguson.
The United boss admitted as much at the press conference to unveil Nani and Hargreaves on Monday, saying: "Last year was the third time we have failed in a semi-final, and we don't like that. We should be doing better.”
Having beaten AC Milan 3-2 at Old Trafford, the Reds – hampered by a spate of injuries – looked out of steam in the return leg at the San Siro, going down 3-0 to the eventual winners.
“That was maybe the downfall last season,” said Sir Alex. “When it came to the final two months of the season we didn’t have the squad to deal with all the competitions we were in.
“Signing Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson does give us a better chance. It brings us quality and experience of Europe, and good intensity in our play. I am very hopeful we can do better."
That doesnÂ’t mean that United are solely focused on Europe. Retaining the league title, which would put the Reds one championship win behind LiverpoolÂ’s record, remains high on the list of priorities.
"We have said this time and time again, we’re forced to challenge for the Premier League because it’s such a competitive league and such a tribal situation. It is like a tribal war," he added. "But, without question, in terms of the profile of our club, and I have said it many times, we should have done better in Europe.”