Why Fergie's fallen in love with the Europa League
When Manchester United were dumped out of the Champions League in December, a grumpy Sir Alex Ferguson described the Europa League as their "penalty" for messing up.
His comments earned him a rebuke from UEFA president Michel Platini, who felt he was belittling the Champions League's little brother.
Yet fast forward to last night and Fergie was gushing in his new-found love for the Europa League.
Writing in his programme notes for the game, which was United's first at home in the competition since exiting to Rotor Volvograd in 1995, he rejected talk of it being the "losers' Cup" and that they viewed it with "disdain".
"I can assure you that this is far from our attitude," he wrote. "Certainly it's new territory for us, but that's an attraction for me rather than a disappointment, and I'm sure I speak for the players when I say that we're all keen to add this trophy to our collection.
"We're in it to win it....and don't let anyone tell you anything different."
But while United may present it as the chance to make history by lifting the only major trophy to elude them and become the first British side to win all three of Europe's top prizes, the reality is somewhat different.
Their zeal for the Europa League, despite fielding a weakened side and being embarrassed last night, is more a reflection of how their season has gone.
Normally in February the talk round here is of Doubles and Trebles and Fergie has seized on the Europa League because it can be United's insurance policy against ending the season empty-handed.
Those noisy neighbours show no signs of letting up in the title race and a trip to Bucharest on May 9 has much more appeal about it than it did in December.
Fergie isn't too proud to deny this and he's always said the definition of success any season is winning trophies.
What is it they say about beggars can't be chosers?
Tweet my Goalsch! The best gags from Manchester United's Europa League defeat to Ajax, by Dan Silver
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