Rooney outlines Europa intent

While the Europa League will definitely not have been in Manchester United's plans this season, that doesn't mean the reigning Premier League champions won't be going all-out to lift the trophy. 

After admitting his disappointment at exiting the Champions League, Wayne Rooney has made it clear that the focus will be on winning the tournament now they are competing in the Europa League – not something many would have foreseen at the start of the season. 

The England striker insisted there was still plenty of motivation for them to do well in the tournament – especially seeing as they won't be the only big name in the competition. Those looking at the Europa League betting odds online should bear this in mind.

"Unfortunately we went out and now we turn our attention to the Premier League and Europa League," he said.

"Every competition we enter we want to win."

"There are some good teams but we have to believe, keep working and hopefully we can go on and win it."

United were unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League in the group stage, forcing them to join Europe's second-tier competition at the last-32 stage and adding some serious glamour to the tournament. 

It remains to be seen as to how Sir Alex Ferguson approaches the tournament in regards using his star players – although Rooney's comments point to the club showing some intent in their Europa League campaign. 

United, along with bitter rivals Manchester City, will be stand-out favourites to win the tournament now their Champions League dreams are over for another season – although that is reliant on the club taking the competition seriously, something that remains to be seen.