No early exit for United again, vows Fergie

MANCHESTER – Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson vowed there would be no repeat of last seasons early Champions League exit as he prepared for Wednesdays opening Group H fixture at home to Galatasaray.The triple European champions failed to progress from the group stage in 2011-12 after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat by Swiss club Basel in their final fixture.Weve lost two finals to Barcelona and won two other finals in the last decade or so but we want to do better, Ferguson told the clubs website (www.manutd.com). Certainly well do better than last year - no question about that.The European Cup is incredible. Theres an atmosphere in the build-up to a European final and great charisma about it.Also, without question, it elevates your status within the game like the Real Madrids and AC Milans. We want to be up there in terms of the number of trophies won in European football.Starting with their defeat by Barcelona in the 2011 final, United have won just three European matches out of 11 and have lost four of their last five.Fergusons side, playing in the competition for a record 18th time, will be without long-term injury victim Wayne Rooney on Wednesday but on the plus side they have a red-hot Robin van Persie ready to make his first European start for the club.

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No early exit for United again, vows Fergie