Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United's UEFA Champions League exit still leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.
The Red Devils are preparing for a Europa League clash with Ajax after missing out on the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2006.
Europe's elite competition resumes on Tuesday, with Benfica and Basel through to the next phase after progressing out of United's group.
The Reds won just two games in Group C - both 2-0 victories against Romanian side Otelul Galati - but Ferguson's frustration comes from their performances against Basel.
The Swiss side claimed a point after drawing 3-3 at Old Trafford before winning 2-1 in the final game of the group stage to knock the Premier League champions out.
But Ferguson remains convinced he manages one of the best sides in Europe, as he said: "It was a massive disappointment, because my feeling is that if we'd gone through, we would have gone on to the final.
"The problem was the home game against Basel. We ended up losing our concentration and though we managed to salvage a draw, it was a bad result.
"We dominated the return game, but didn't score and when that happens you don't deserve to win.
"I don't feel we're that far away from Barcelona and Real Madrid. I'm sure we'll show that soon."
The Red Devils are preparing for a Europa League clash with Ajax after missing out on the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2006.
Europe's elite competition resumes on Tuesday, with Benfica and Basel through to the next phase after progressing out of United's group.
The Reds won just two games in Group C - both 2-0 victories against Romanian side Otelul Galati - but Ferguson's frustration comes from their performances against Basel.
The Swiss side claimed a point after drawing 3-3 at Old Trafford before winning 2-1 in the final game of the group stage to knock the Premier League champions out.
But Ferguson remains convinced he manages one of the best sides in Europe, as he said: "It was a massive disappointment, because my feeling is that if we'd gone through, we would have gone on to the final.
"The problem was the home game against Basel. We ended up losing our concentration and though we managed to salvage a draw, it was a bad result.
"We dominated the return game, but didn't score and when that happens you don't deserve to win.
"I don't feel we're that far away from Barcelona and Real Madrid. I'm sure we'll show that soon."
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