Manchester United defender Phil Jones is looking forward to the prospect of European football next season, as the Reds look set to secure a top four finish.
Louis van Gaal’s side are currently six points ahead of fifth placed Liverpool, meaning a single point from their final two fixtures would secure their qualification for the Champions League – missing out after a disappointing seventh placed finish under David Moyes.
The centre-back featured in his side’s least European fixture, in which they suffered a quarter-final second-leg defeat to German outfit Bayern Munich on 9 April 2014. As Pep Guardiola’s side hope to reach another European final this season, Jones is simply relishing the opportunity to be back in the competition next season.
United also boat a 14-goal advantage over Brendan Rodger’s side, meaning their future in the Champions League is almost guaranteed, with the Red hosting Arsenal at the weekend before ending the season at Hull City.
Speaking after their recent victory against Crystal Palace, Jones commented on the prestigious competition, saying: “We’ve missed it massively. There’s nothing like a European night when the Champions League music comes on. But to have been sitting there and watching it this season, without being a part of it, has been disappointing.
“A team like Manchester United should be in the competition but we’ve no given right to be there, we need to perform. Performances like this [at Palace], when you’re probably not at your best but you still come away with three points, can be the ones which make sure you get into the Champions League.”
The Englishman his hoping his side can secure their place in Europe with a positive ending to the season, having suffered a recent dip in form.
When asked about their upcoming tie with Arsenal, which could seal their European fate while pushing for an unlikely third placed finish, he added: “We’ll look forward to it,” said Jones when the conversation moved on to the Gunners match.
“It’s a game that everyone wants to play in, it’s a big game and we want to win it. We want to finish the season on a high and as strongly as possible. Hopefully we can finish with two more wins.”
Phil Jones has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United this season.
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