David de Gea wants to 'ensure' Manchester United qualify for Europa League

Goalkeeper says it is important United take part in European competition, despite the possible benefits of failing to do so

(GETTY IMAGES)

David de Gea insists Manchester United will not become complacent in the last few weeks of the season, insisting the club are keen to be in Europe next season.

A top four finish is beyond the reigning Premier League champions but Europa League football remains a strong possibility.

There have been suggestions that United could be better served without any European football on their plate next season, particularly in light of current Premier League leaders Liverpool appearing to relish the lack of distractions this term.

However, their goalkeeper says it is vital Manchester United are playing in Europe next season.

"There are still plenty of important games to play. We are Manchester United and it's our duty to win every game we take part in," de Gea told the club's official website.

"That's what we'll try to do now because we want to finish as high as we can in the league, ensure we're playing in a European competition next season and show we are still around and that we will never give in."

Manchester United have five games remaining this season, starting with a tricky and emotional trip for David Moyes back to his former club Everton this weekend. The Red Devils must also play Norwich, Sunderland, Hull and Southampton before the season is out.

With Manchester City having won the Capital One Cup, currently fifth and sixth place in the Premier League will qualify for the Europa League. However, if Arsenal finish fifth and win the FA Cup, the team in seventh (United's current position) will join the Europa League. Should Arsenal finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League, yet win the FA Cup, the third Europa League spot would go to runners-up Hull.

Whether United qualify for Europe or not, despite a difficult season De Gea believes Moyes' side proved during their exit from this season's Champions League they can be a match for anyone on the continent.

"The Bayern defeat was tough for us to take. We put in two really good performances, we did well in both games of the tie and, with a bit of luck, I think we could have got through.

"But it was always going to be a difficult task going to Munich and they pressurised us a lot in the Allianz Arena. But of course we have to keep going."