MICHEL PLATINI HAS hit back at Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, accusing the Scot of showing a lack of respect to the Europa League.
United will be playing in the competition following their elimination from the Champions League, something Ferguson described as ‘a penalty.’
“Now we are in a competition I have never been in with Manchester United,” said Ferguson. “It does mean Sundays right through and Thursday-Sunday matches. That has to be dealt with. That is our penalty for not qualifying.”
Those comments did not sit well with UEFA president Platini, who has described the Europa League as an ‘amazing’ competition.
“The world does not revolve around England, I like England a lot, its football is fantastic, its supporters are wonderful but you shouldn’t criticise the Europa League just because you’ve played in three Champions League finals,” said Platini.
“The Europa League is a brilliant competition, it’s amazing. I know Mr Ferguson would have preferred to be in the Champions League but so would many clubs who don’t have that possibility.”
