16 February,2012 08:31 AM IST | | AFP
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez says the English giants are determined to launch a full-blooded assault on the Europa League as they prepare to make their debut in the competition today.
Javier Hernandez. Pic/Getty Images
After the shock of failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, United travel to Amsterdam this week to face Ajax in their first ever Europa League game.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged to field a full-strength side in the competition after initially describing the tournament as a "penalty" for missing out on the Champions League.
And Hernandez is adamant that United are determined to go all the way in the Europa League, which climaxes with a final in Bucharest on May 9.
The Mexican striker said he was looking forward to United's meeting with Ajax, four-time winners of the European Cup.
"Both teams have come out of the Champions League and they both have a great history," Hernandez said.
"We have won a lot of European Cups between us, so it will be a very interesting game. We need to get used to the fact we are not in the Champions League this season.
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