United can’t miss out on CL - De Gea

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: David De Gea of Manchester United celebrates during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on December 14, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: David De Gea of Manchester United celebrates during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on December 14, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Published Apr 1, 2015

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Manchester United keeper David de Gea says it would be unthinkable for the club to finish outside of the Champions League places for two seasons in a row.

United return to domestic action at home to Aston Villa on Saturday with two wins against top-four rivals Tottenham and Liverpool having given Louis van Gaal’s side some breathing space behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Now De Gea has underlined just how important it is for United to get back in to European football’s blue riband competition after a season in the wildnerness.

‘We have to qualify for the Champions League, no matter what,’ said De Gea, who last night conceded goals from Davy Klaassen and Stefan de Vrij as Spain lost 2-0 to Holland in Amsterdam. ‘We already missed out last season, and a team like Manchester United cannot do that two years in a row.’

The Spain international’s future remains in doubt as he only has one year left on his contract, but he recognises how the English game has enabled him to improve.

‘I’m a composed, calm type, which helps me in my profession,’ he said. ‘As a keeper, you need to convey a sense of calm to the rest of the team. But, truth be told, English football has changed me a great deal. I’ve developed a lot physically, I have greatly improved my concentration and have generally improved all aspects of my game.

‘I was very young when I came here, but four years on things are very good overall.’

Since January, De Gea has been working at Old Trafford with former Spain international Victor Valdes as his understudy.

‘He’s always ready to lend a hand, trying to help out with his advice, especially during games,’ De Gea said. – Daily Mail

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