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Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld rues missed opportunities against Manchester United
The Belgian feels that the game against Sir Alex Ferguson's men was a positive experience overall, but feels his side's wasted chances contributed to the loss
Feb 17, 2012 6:45:00 AM
By Enis Koylu
PROSHOTS
Ajax only has itself to blame for its Europa League defeat to Manchester United, according to Toby Alderweireld.
The Dutch champions missed a string of chances in a first-half that they dominated, before their English counterparts ran out 2-0 winners thanks to two goals after the break.
The Belgian believes that his side's wastefulness was a contributing factor, and says they were aware that Sir Alex Ferguson's men could punish them on the break.
"We did well in the first half, didn't give away too much, and even created a few chances," the 22-year-old said according to UEFA.com.
"Unfortunately we didn't take them, and when you play a team like Manchester united, you get punished on the counter. They're incredibly dangerous in such situations."
Alderweireld also spoke out about the difficulty of shackling Javier Hernandez, but said the experience was a positive one overall.
"Playing against someone like Javier Hernandez, who's always right on the edge of being offside is very difficult. That's the level of performance we want to reach," he added.
"On a night like this you can learn a lot - and you shouldn't forget to enjoy yourself either."
Ajax entertains NEC on Sunday, before traveling to Manchester on February 23.
The Dutch champions missed a string of chances in a first-half that they dominated, before their English counterparts ran out 2-0 winners thanks to two goals after the break.
The Belgian believes that his side's wastefulness was a contributing factor, and says they were aware that Sir Alex Ferguson's men could punish them on the break.
"We did well in the first half, didn't give away too much, and even created a few chances," the 22-year-old said according to UEFA.com.
"Unfortunately we didn't take them, and when you play a team like Manchester united, you get punished on the counter. They're incredibly dangerous in such situations."
Alderweireld also spoke out about the difficulty of shackling Javier Hernandez, but said the experience was a positive one overall.
"Playing against someone like Javier Hernandez, who's always right on the edge of being offside is very difficult. That's the level of performance we want to reach," he added.
"On a night like this you can learn a lot - and you shouldn't forget to enjoy yourself either."
Ajax entertains NEC on Sunday, before traveling to Manchester on February 23.
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