He gets a fair bit of stick from fans at times but his comments after the match were excellent I thought:
"The atmosphere in the dressing room was very, very solemn," admitted Phelan, "and the players are down because they felt as though they had carried out the tactics, showed their abilities, got the goal that we needed to get at a great time and felt in control.
"But this loss was not of our own making so why should we be down and despondent when we've got everything to work hard for and everything to achieve?
"We've still got an FA Cup tie [on Sunday, against Chelsea] and we're still in a commanding position in the league. So we'll get over it, we'll bounce back."
The controversial 2-1 reverse to Real Madrid at Old Trafford was the Reds' first meaningful defeat since losing 1-0 at Norwich City on 17 November, given that the two losses at the hands of Galatasaray and CFR Cluj were both in the Champions League after last-16 progress had already been assured.
After the Norwich game, United won the next five matches in the Barclays Premier League - and Phelan said, "This is something Manchester United does - we lose a game and then we come back after a defeat.
"We've had disappointments before and we'll get over this one tomorrow. We'll come in [to Carrington] and kick on. The players will rally round, the staff will rally round and we'll be Manchester United right the way through until the end of May."
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Mar/mike-phelan-insists-manchester-united-will-bounce-back-from-real-madrid-defeat.aspx
Still the double to play for.
Mike Phelan
posted on 6/3/13
We were absolutely fantastic last night, we carried out the game plan to perfection. For 60 minutes, the game was brilliant. I really hope Nani doesn't come in for any stick from anybody on our board. Last night on the match thread, Stretty was nothing more than a complete t!t.
Even with 10 men we were outstanding for the last 20 minutes, it was just that 10 minute spell immediately after probably the worst decision I've seen in a decade, where all the damage was done.
We'll bounce back, we always do, and I really want us to absolute stuff Chelsea to shut them up. Time to make a statement of intent.
We played well, unfortunately the decision cost us the game.
posted on 6/3/13
Jay, be very surprised if Nani comes in for any stick at all from anyone to do with the club
posted on 6/3/13
Have you seen some of our fans Pride. The only player who you could even begin to fault last night was RvP, he just looked a shade off the pace. Other than that, our entire team was brilliant and we should be extremely proud of that performance.
Welbeck in particular
posted on 6/3/13
Yeah I can't see how people can blame Nani for it. How else could he take the ball down? Imagine he had pulled out & Arbeloa had just carried the ball into space, Nani would have been berated by everyone. Poor decision but it's gone, no point going on about it. Secure the league & hopefully the FA Cup.
posted on 6/3/13
Up until the sending off I thought the game was going perfectly to plan. Welbeck was great (bar finishing ) Giggs did a fantastic job on Ronaldo
posted on 6/3/13
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posted on 6/3/13
Fergie had his tactics spot on. 10 mins after the ref was a unt, we lost the plan. But then once the players found their feet again, their GK decided to be a hero.
posted on 6/3/13
Jolly Roger (U6913)
What was Nani meant to do? not challenge the ball? it was there to be challenged! he never saw the player. yes his boot was high but common sense can see it is a yellow at most. was the goal keeper on vidic not dangerous play? what happens if vidic broke his jaw? come on. the ref was stupid and that is all. if nani did not go for the ball he would have been ripped by his manager.