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Manchester United is fighting a lack of self-confidence, says Chris Smalling.
The defender said "his head sank" after a crowd of missed opportunities against the Young Boys before Marouane Fellaini grabbed a late winner to send United into the United States. eighth in the Champions League on Tuesday.
"We have created good odds, not just half chances, and I think heads can tip when some of them do not come in," Smalling said.
"You could see the relief on our faces knowing that we were qualified and that we did not have to go to Valencia and that we were making ourselves really difficult."
After securing the qualification of Group H with a match to play, United will now focus on improving its position in the Premier League table, starting with Saturday's trip to Southampton.
Jose Mourinho's team is seventh, 14 points behind Manchester City leaders and seven points from the top four.
"We had two goals in play before this game against Palace: get back into the top four and qualify," Smalling said.
"We have qualified now and now, everything depends on our league form."
Despite booking their place in the round of 16, Paul Scholes was far from impressed by United's performance against the Young Boys, whom he described as "terrible".
Mourinho refused to respond to critics after the match, but the winner of the match, Fellaini, acknowledged that after five wins in 13 defeats, he had to fight for the chin.
"Criticism is part of football, but we have to work," said the Belgian, who scored his second goal of the season against the Swiss champions.
"We are a team, we are together and we give everything together, together we have to move forward and take the points.
"I think the atmosphere is good, the players are happy but the most important thing now is to focus on Saturday and three points."
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