Diogo Dalot has urged his Manchester United teammates not to underestimate the importance of Champions League football, as the club looks set to return to the competition next season. The Red Devils have missed out on Europe's top table for the past two seasons, reaching only the Europa League final last term, which they lost to Tottenham.
Currently sitting third in the Premier League under caretaker boss Michael Carrick, United are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League. However, Dalot stressed that the players must ensure they secure that spot and then fully appreciate the opportunity. 'I think seasons like this are good for you to know that when you're playing Europa League and especially Champions League, those are the best years,' he said.
The defender highlighted the reduced fixture list this season, with United playing a maximum of 40 games after early cup exits. 'This is nowhere near what the club should be and the competitions that we should play in,' he added. 'When we get the main goal that I really believe we're going to do next season, if we're playing Champions League, we cannot take it for granted. We need to put the club back in there.'
Dalot's comments echo those of teammate Bruno Fernandes, who admitted he has struggled without Champions League football this season. 'It has to be huge because, you know, like we struggle a lot this season by playing just one game a week. At least, I did!' Fernandes said after a win over Crystal Palace. He noted that fewer games make it harder for the manager to rotate and give opportunities, and emphasised the importance of returning to 'the best competition in the world'.
