UEFA president Michel Platini has hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson's comments that the Europa League is Manchester United's "penalty" for crashing out of the Champions League.

The Red Devils boss criticised the schedule of the Europa League and revealed his disappointment in exiting the Champions League before the knockout stage.

"The world does not revolve around England," Sky Sports News quotes Platini as saying. "I like England, its football is fantastic, but you shouldn't criticise the Europa League just because you've played in three Champions League finals.

"The Europa League is a brilliant competition. I know Mr Ferguson would have preferred to be in the Champions League but so would many clubs."

The Premier League champions may be forced to play a number of Europa League fixtures on Tuesday afternoons due to UEFA's ruling.