Rio: Real Redress Not Our Aim

Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United will not be fuelled by the frustration of last season's Champions League exit under "dubious" circumstances against Real Madrid; instead the defender's attitude is: "new season, new games".

Nani's controversial red card in the last 16 second leg tie against Real Madrid at Old Trafford came at a point when the Reds were seemingly in control of the game. Once reduced to ten men, however, United didn't readjust quickly enough and Real capitalised to score twice and progressed 3-2 on aggregate.

As disappointing as that was, it provides no additional incentive this time round as David Moyes' side kick-off the Champions League Group A campaign against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

"I don't think we need the extra drive or motivation," Ferdinand explained at the pre-match press conference. "We were all disappointed with what happened last season and how we went out. But we won't harp on about it. We continue and start again afresh this season. New group, new season, new games. Last season is out of our minds and not something we need to use as motivation."

Having won the trophy in 2008 and reached finals in 2009 and 2011, United fell at the group stages in 2011/12 and exited the tournament before the quarter-finals last time. The challenge, says Rio, is to improve on the previous year's showing, regardless of having been handed a tricky group, with Spanish side Real Sociedad and Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk joining United and Bayer.

"If you don't win the competition you've got catching up to do," he said. "It's that simple. If that happens then you have work to do to catch up. Last year we went out in dubious circumstances... hopefully we can improve this season. Last year we improved on the season before that and hopefully we can improve again.

"The Germans did well last year, the Spanish sides before that. It goes in cycles and hopefully we can start the cycle this season.

"It probably focuses you a bit more when you have a tough group. You don't get the chance to rest people, for example. The competition is so competitive and the players are so good and the desire to get into the next stage is so high. Each year you want to qualify for the knockout stage."

Ferdinand sat beside David Moyes at the press briefing and his manager praised the 34-year-old defender's displays so far this season. Rio attributes his form and fitness to an intense pre-season programme.

"I feel good," he added. "This pre-season we've had has been a really strong, solid base to work from. It gives us that base to go up to Christmas and the New Year. The [new coaching staff] came in and have worked us really hard. Now I want to get a run of games. Physically I feel good and I just want to continue making sure my pre-game and recuperation is all right."