Herrera: ‘Champions League is everything for United’

Ander Herrera is desperate to help Manchester United back to the promised land of the UEFA Champions League.

Having missed out on qualification for Europe’s premier club competition on goal difference last term, United’s most realistic route to Champions League qualifications appears to be winning the Europa League.

Progressing past Celta Vigo in this week’s semi-final second leg – Jose Mourinho’s men hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at the Balaídos – and victory over Ajax or Lyon at the final in Stockholm later this month would return to the Red Devils to Europe’s top table next season.

United midfielder Herrera reckons that a fervent atmosphere at Old Trafford will help his team overcome Os Celestes and move a step closer to their ultimate goal.

(Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

“The most important thing is to be in the Champions League next season – I have no doubt, for this club, it is very important to be in the Champions League,” said the 27-year-old Spain international, who was voted his club’s player of the month for April.

“We have two titles – the Community Shield and League Cup – and we can have a very good season if we fight for the Europa League but we have to be very respectful because Celta are very difficult opponents overall.

“They have scored away in every game they’ve played in the competition, so we have to be aware of that.

“They are a very good team – very dangerous when they play away – and we will need our fans at home.

“I tell them we really need them to create a good atmosphere; a difficult atmosphere for the opponents, [that] can push us to be in the final.

“It’s not going to be easy.”