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Matic: 'No excuse' for Manchester United's Champions League shame

OLI SCARFF / AFP / Getty

Nemanja Matic couldn't offer any explanations for Manchester United's disappointing Champions League exit on Tuesday, saying that Sevilla was deservedly heading into the tournament's quarter-final stage.

Few players emerged with any credit from the 2-1 home defeat - Alexis Sanchez and Marouane Fellaini courted the most criticism for their performances - and the game contrasted sharply with the tactically astute display against Liverpool three days earlier.

"There is no excuse," Matic said, according to PA Sport. "There is no excuse. We had a big game, as you know, against Liverpool. We won.

"With high confidence, we come to play this game, but today they played better than us and they deserved (to win)."

Despite abject showings throughout United's lineup, Jose Mourinho faces the brunt of disapproval from critics and fans. The Red Devils were negative in the first leg, displaying minimum attacking intent in a tedious 0-0 draw. They didn't fare much better in the second meeting, with the host's press appearing a little reluctant while defensive work seemed to be the prime concern.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

"Of course (it is difficult to take)," Matic continued. "... But this is football, we have to accept it and to focus on the next game, which is very important also for us, in the FA Cup.

"We focus also for the league, but we have to say congratulations to the team, Sevilla. They played really well, and they deserved to go through."

Related - Mourinho: Champions League failure 'nothing new' for Manchester United

United is 16 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table with eight matches to go, leaving the FA Cup as the club's only realistic chance of major silverware this season. Mourinho's side takes on Brighton & Hove Albion in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

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