Phelan: United thrilled to make amends

Mike Phelan says Manchester United’s early progress to the Champions League knockouts has made up for last season’s early exit.

United reached the round of 16 with two games to spare in the group stage after coming from behind to beat Braga 3-1 in Portugal on Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez all scored in the last ten minutes to cancel out Alan’s earlier penalty.

The victory ensured United will finish top of Group H, with assistant manager Phelan pleased at his team’s prompt progression.

“Our intention this year was to get into (the last 16) of Europe very, very quickly,” he said.

“We were disappointed last year, the players knew that, the staff knew that and I think the supporters wanted a reaction to that.

“And I think that was really important we got into the game quickly, got into Europe quickly and we’ve done that. Four games gone and we’re more than happy with that.”

According to Phelan, United’s fringe players will be given the chance to impress in the remaining matches.

“What it does now is give us the opportunity to have a look at a few other players on this stage and in this sort of arena and I’m sure we will do that,” he said.

“But we have to give credit to the competition as well and as Manchester United we do that.

“But it was important we got the job done as quickly as possible, for us to concentrate on the league which is very important for us and gives us a different focus.”