'Bigger things': Man Utd star insists club have exceeded expectations, wants UCL football

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has spoken about the importance of qualifying for the Champions League ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Red Devils recently suffered back-to-back losses against Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United on the road and this had reduced their advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool.

They are still one point ahead of the Merseyside outfit with a game in hand and may have to win three of their remaining four top-flight games to ensure Champions League qualification.

Amidst this, Fernandes has admitted that the club want Champions League football and they deserve it, having got themselves into a commanding position to finish in the top four.

The Portugal international added that he is pleased that the club have performed above initial expectations and believes they will be fighting for much ‘bigger things’ soon.

He told Sky Sports: “We want Champions League football. This club deserves it, this club has to be in that position.”

“I think these players deserve to be there, too, because we have such a great team that has been doing a great job this season when no one thought Man Utd could be fighting for the top four.

“We know everyone is now saying, ‘Oh Man Utd has been great’, but I remember in the beginning of the season no one put our team in the top six so I think it is a good surprise for them but not for us. We knew that we could be there, we know that we could be even higher in the league.

“We had our moments and that’s why we’re in the position of fighting for the top four and not bigger things. But I think soon, this club, these players will be fighting for much bigger things.”

Champions League football is crucial for Man Utd

As per The Athletic, United could start with a budget of £100 million this summer if they qualify for the Champions League. Additional funds could be recouped from player sales.

However, the budget could be much less if they finish outside of the top four, considering they could miss out on nearly £60m in added revenue without Champions League football.

Furthermore, it is claimed that United’s shirt sponsors Adidas could lower payments. There will be a 30 per cent reduction if they fail to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition for two straight seasons.

The cut (£22.5m) will reportedly be spread over the length of the contract rather than in one payment.

Hence, Champions League qualification is vital for the Red Devils. With UEFA’s new squad cost rule, United can only spend 90 per cent of their revenue in the 2023/24 financial year.

If the club were to miss out on the top four, they could also struggle to attract some of the most sought-after stars, who have the aim of playing at the highest level on the European stage.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

The post 'Bigger things': Man Utd star insists club have exceeded expectations, wants UCL football appeared first on Man Utd News.