Manchester United assistant Terry Phelan has fronted the media after Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League exit to Real Madrid, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson “too distraught” to speak.
The Red Devils had been leading 1-0 early in the second half, before Nani was harshly sent off.
Real would capitalise on their numerical advantage by scoring decisive goals through Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We’re extremely disappointed. Everybody was sat in the dressing room there wondering what had happened and why it happened,” Phelan said.
“It’s a very distraught dressing room and a very distraught manager – that’s why I’m sat here now.”
“We felt we had the tactics right, we were comfortable at 0-0 in the first half. We came out and scored a goal which put us in a commanding position.
“After that we were in reasonable control and created a couple of chances, but then the game totally changed. Playing Madrid with 10 men is very difficult.”
Phelan said that United had to use the disappointment of the defeat to ensure they went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup.
“Disappointment in football is a part of the game,” Phelan said.
“For us as a football club, we’ve been here before and we shall bring the players together again, possibly Thursday, and we’ll have a look at certain things.
“We will kick on now, it’s very important we finish the season well. We’re in the FA Cup and we also have a great opportunity in the league. I’m sure that will drive the players on to achieve something.”