Manchester United star Juan Mata has underlined the importance of qualifying for the Champions League this season.

United have no European football this term after finishing last year in seventh place, though Mata is determined to put that right in the coming campaign.

"We are facing a new season with new goals," Mata is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "It's a new era and we have a new manager and players. It's a new chance to show that this club can fight for titles.

"We would all love to win the league but the most important goal - what this club needs - is to play in the Champions League again.

"I cannot imagine a Champions League two years in a row without United."

United will contest this year's Premier League opener with Swansea City tomorrow afternoon.