Manchester: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded that he got his team selections in his side's European campaigns this season.
The Red Devils failed to make it out of the group stages of the Champions League for only the second time and were also beaten over two legs in the Europa League last 16 by Athletic Bilbao.
And, while Ferguson admits that he made too many changes in this year's competition, he insists that his side may see the benefit in future years.
"We accept we were well beaten and we have deserved the criticism that has come our way in Europe this season," Ferguson told United Review.
"I took too many chances giving young players a run-out in an attempt to speed up their development and perhaps I asked too much of them.
"We always expect to qualify and with that in mind I perhaps pushed on too quickly in the Champions League. Long-term we might get the benefit, but not in the minds of our supporters, who want to see us win."
"So we let the fans down and I won't take as many chances next season."
United's poor performances in Europe this season have been mirrored by their arch-rivals Manchester City, who also went out in the group stage of the Champions League and the same round of the Europa League.
And the Scot believes his side are well positioned to leave their cross-city rivals empty-handed this season.
"After weeks trailing in second place we got our noses in front and I am sure our players are ready to put the pressure on again," he said.
"Our guys have been flogging away and perhaps wondering if they would ever catch up before we hit the finishing line.
"Well, we did and they are capable of going in front again as we battle it out with City. Neck and neck now and I'd say it was an ideal time to be up with the leaders with only nine matches to go in the race for the title."
"We are in the right place, at the right time and, most importantly, with the right players."
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