Chris Smalling "striving" for Champions League qualification

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has insisted that everyone at the club is "striving" to ensure that they do not miss out on the Champions League this season.

The Red Devils have only failed to qualify for Europe's premier competition once in the last 20 years, with that coming under David Moyes in the 2013-14 campaign when Smalling was part of the squad.

Current boss Louis van Gaal is in danger of also missing out, with United three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the Premier League having played a game more than their local rivals.

The Europa League provides another potential route back to the Champions League, and Smalling is desperate to take one of the avenues available to them.

"I think [missing out of the Champions League] is [felt by the players] - it was the first time," he told reporters.

"We've still got a lot of games to play in the league. Obviously we have another route in the Europa League to make sure that doesn't happen again.

"We're all striving forward and looking forward to make sure that doesn't happen for a second time."

United take on Liverpool in the last 16 of the Europa League, with the first leg taking place at Anfield on Thursday.