The deposed Premier League champions missed out on the knockout stages of the marquee competition for the first time in six years and went on to be embarrassed twice by eventual finalists Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.

Disappointment at the top table in Europe manifested itself in a 3-1 humbling by Swiss champions Basel in the final group game, which led to demotion to the second tier competition.

This time around United will take on SC Braga, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj for the right to reach the business end of the competition.

Phelan told the official club website: “We let Europe slip from our grasp too easily last year. The players are conscious and aware of that, although we haven’t dwelled on it as that wouldn’t be positive.

“We’ve put it down as a blip, but we know we have to do better.”

A cursory look at last season’s results and it is not difficult to work out where United went wrong. They conceded in two thirds of their group games and home draws against Basel then Benfica killed their chances, while they only managed one away win – against minnows Otelul Galati.

They had led 2-0 against Basel before the visitors scored three second-half goals, only for Ashley Young to rescue a point, while Pablo Aimar did the damage in a 2-2 draw against Portuguese giants Benfica.

Shortcomings in Europe, highlighted by problems in defence, would resurface later in the season when United were pipped to the Premier League title on the final day of the season. United have conceded in three Premier League fixtures so far this season and an inconsistent back four continues to be a thorn in the side.

Ferguson has looked at the bigger picture and brought in Champions League pedigree in the shape of Robin van Persie (12/1 – Champions League Top Goalscorer) and Shinji Kagawa, but it is in central midfield where the Scot has his biggest headache.

It was no surprise that the Old Trafford boss lauded over the performance of substitute Paul Scholes in the comeback win at St Mary’s, but at 37 he no longer has the legs to mix it against Europe’s best.

United can be backed at 1/5 with Totesport to win Group H, 2011 Europa League finalists SC Braga are priced up 7/1, Galatasaray next best at 8/1 and CFR 1907 Cluj rated the 25/1 rags.

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Liverpool

It used to be the biggest game of the season but the Champions League and Premier League have cast a shadow over the FA Cup final in recent years and this year’s 5.15pm kick off – for whatever reason – has done little to improve that perception.

Chelsea, who have generally been flying under Roberto Di Matteo, are slight favourites to triumph at 6/5 over 90 minutes, but could be distracted by that upcoming date in Munich with Bayern while inconsistent Liverpool (15/8 – 90 Minutes) know securing a Cup double will salvage their season after a disappointing league campaign.

With much at stake it’s a difficult call to suggest who will be celebrating at the come 7.15pm or so and there are many interesting side-stories bubbling under in the big clash.

Most Chelsea fans will probably accept losing on Saturday if they can then go on to lift their first-ever European Cup but such has been their recent impressive form – Wednesday’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle apart – they will be confident approaching the final.

Di Matteo has revitalised and re-focused what was an under-performing squad and has been described by senior players Frank Lampard and John Terry as a “breath of fresh air” at the Bridge in recent months.

He appears to have given players back a belief clearly lacking under former boss Andre Villas-Boas and one man in particular – Fernando Torres – looks close to his brilliant best once again.

Liverpool, of course, know all about the Spaniard, who hit a hat-trick last weekend in the win over QPR and, following on his dramatic late goal against Barcelona last month, Torres’ redemption could be complete with another strike at Wembley against his former team. At 13/8 he is worth backing to score anytime, with Di Matteo likely to go with Torres ahead of Didier Drogba up front.

These two sides have met an incredible 31 times in the past eight seasons – a run which has included plenty of big games. Three Champions League semi-finals, an FA Cup semi and League Cup final are among them and, apart from the latter, Liverpool have generally had the upper hand in those crunch encounters to suggest the Reds have the edge over their opponents when it matters most.

Chelsea have also lost their last four games against Kenny Dalglish’s side, including Carling Cup and league defeats at home this season, so the stats could lead you to predict it’s time for the Londoners to triumph once again.

Liverpool have been frustratingly inconsistent in general this season with their fine Cup form contrasting with a woeful home league record, which hit a new low when they lost 1-0 against Fulham on Tuesday.

That, however, was largely a second-string side and they will welcome back key men Steven Gerrard (9/4 to score anytime), Luis Suarez, Glen Johnson and Pepe Reina amongst others at Wembley.

If Liverpool are to come out on top, much is sure to depend on how Suarez, a hat-trick hero in his last game at Norwich, and Gerrard perform, while the unpredictable Andy Carroll may also have a big say if he is at the top of his game.

Chelsea have injury concerns over central defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill after the pair both missed training on Friday, while Dalglish has virtually a full-strength squad to choose from aside from long-term absentees Charlie Adam and Lucas Leiva.

The game could hinge on a piece of brilliance from the likes of Torres, Drogba, Juan Mata, Gerrard or Suarez, or even a sending off in what’s likely to be a fiery meeting, while extra-time and/or penalties could well be on the menu (Draw at 90 minutes – 11/5).

It’s a very difficult one to predict but, with Chelsea possibly having bigger fish to fry later this month, Liverpool, who know a win will save their season, could just about edge it.

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