Ferguson wants United to perk up their European home form

London, Mar 8(ANI): Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said his team needs to improve their form at Old Trafford in the European competitions.

For many years, United have used their form at home as the basis to perform well in the Champions League, but this season they were knocked out in the group stage, courtesy of two draws at home against FC Basel and Benfica.

With United being relegated to the second-tier European Championship, the Europa League, their home form didn't seem to perk up, as they almost contrived to get knocked out despite at one stage boasting a three-goal aggregate lead to Dutch champions Ajax.

Now, Ferguson wants his players to wake up from their deep slumber as they have performed badly at home in the European championships.

"It is a game in which we need to waken up. Some of our European form this season has been disappointing. I don't know whether we are making too many changes," The Sun quoted Ferguson, as saying.

Ferguson said he would not under estimate Spanish side Athletic Bilbao, whom they play in next in the Europa League, and will play his strongest team for Thursday's encounter.

"Obviously, I will be playing a strong team tomorrow and hopefully that makes a difference because it is going to be a very difficult game," he said. (ANI)