Cristiano Ronaldo admits United have to erase last year's
European nightmare in the Champions League this season.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side finished bottom of a group containing
Villarreal, Benfica and Lille, and Ronaldo is aware that such
underachieving is unacceptable.
"What happened last season was bad, it was very bad," he told
www.gestifute.com.
"This is such a big club that is should always be among the best.
For a club of this size to go out in the group phase is bad."
The Portuguese winger feels United are far better equipped to
compete in Europe this term, with better balance and experience a
year after their premature exit.
"This is water under the bridge, the team is very good now. We have
some new players, the team has a very good balance, is more mature,
and we have a great chance to go much further," he said.
United will face Benfica again in this year's competition, as well
as Celtic and FC Copenhagen, and Ronaldo expects the Portuguese
side to qualify for the group stages along with United.
"It will be a pleasure to go back to Portugal, even though I would
have preferred to play Sporting (Lisbon)," he said.
"This is a group in which Manchester and Benfica are the clear
favourites."
As well as craving success in Europe, Ronaldo also covets domestic
glory this term after three years in England without winning a
Premiership title.
"I have been here three years this is now my fourth season at
Manchester I hope we can do it this year," he said.
"The team is good enough, we are confident enough, and were
playing very attractive football. I hope this can be our
year."
Despite facing waves of abuse from opposing fans still angered by
his part in Wayne Rooney's World Cup dismissal, Ronaldo has started
the season in fine form.
He said: "I hope it will be like that until the end of the season:
I get whistled a lot, I play well, Manchester United play well and
win. So, bring on the whistles!"
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