Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that there is a lot of pressure on his side ahead of their return to the Champions League.
United will meet Club Brugge in the first leg of their qualifier at Old Trafford on Tuesday after spending a year away from Europe's elite club competition following a disappointing campaign under David Moyes.
Despite heading into the tie as firm favourites to earn a spot in the group stage, Van Gaal believes that his players will be greeted with a tough challenge over the two games.
"There is a lot of pressure because our aim and goal is to reach the Champions League. These kind of matches are difficult. Brugge can defend very well and they can attack also," the Dutchman told reporters.
"It will be a difficult match and that is why the pressure is high. That is why all the players, fan and board of the club want to participate in the Champions League."
Van Gaal's last appearance as coach in the Champions League ended in defeat as Bayern Munich boss in a last-16 clash with Inter Milan in 2011.
Callum Mulvihill
