Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admits many of the current squad are fighting for their careers at the club.
Having lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich last night to effectively end their season, Fletcher admits that many of his team mates are now fighting for their United careers and he is adamant that they will not let this season just fizzle out.
Fletcher said: “The boys have got to play well to stay in the manager’s thoughts for next season.
“There is talk of a lot of changes so if you get an opportunity to play, you have to go out there and perform and to show the manager that you want to be at United, that you are capable of being at United and you are good enough.
“A lot of people will say there isn’t a lot to play for now, but there is – you are playing for personal pride and to be in the squad for next season.”
Unless a miracle happens, United will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season, the first time that will have happened since 1995.
“Watching the Champions League (on television) next year will be difficult to take,” the Scot said.
“We are used to playing in it all my career. This will be the first time we are not there. Hopefully the biggest thing that can do is give you more determination to get back in it.
“It is the pinnacle of club football and Manchester United need to be in this competition. As a player, it’s the best feeling to play in the stadiums like the Allianz Arena against top quality sides. We have had success in it in the past and I am sure we will in the future.
“Next year, we won’t just think about getting into the Champions League. We will think about winning the league and getting into Europe that way.
“The gap is not as big as people think. We have some fantastic players. There will be some signings too and hopefully they can take us to where we want to be.”
Whether or not Manchester United will be able to once again take their place at the top table of European club football is up for serious debate. The squad needs plenty of work and David Moyes is still under pressure to improve on the field fortunes sooner rather than later.
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