Sunday 21 September 2014 13:55, UK
Louis Van Gaal believes a lack of Champions League football this season could damage Manchester United’s title hopes.
Last season Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho complained that Liverpool enjoyed an advantage by not playing in Europe but United manager Van Gaal sees it quite differently.
“I do think always that it is better to compete with the strongest clubs in the world than to train a lot of times in the week,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports News.
“So I do think it is a benefit to compete in the Champions League because you have to compete with high level opponents.
“You’ve seen it this week, Chelsea 1-1, Liverpool with a present at the end and Arsenal has lost - that’s competition.
“All the teams has a lot of good players, not only 16 players but more than 25 players in their squad so you can play in that rhythm.”
Last year United lost 4-1 to Manchester rivals City following victory over Bayern Levekusen in their opening Champions League, but then claimed four wins and one draw.
Watch Manchester United take on Leicester at the King Power Stadium as part of Super Sunday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 12:30pm.
