Wayne Rooney has insisted it is vital that Manchester United play European football next season.

The Red Devils have not missed out on Champions League qualification since 1996, but as it stands they are 10 points adrift of fourth spot.

However, even if United have to settle for the Europa League, Rooney has described participation in Europe as "important" for the club.

"You want to be playing in the Champions League but it's important to finish as high up the table as you can and, if that means playing in the Europa League, then so be it," he told MUTV.

"It's a difficult tournament [to win] so if we qualify for it we'll have to make sure we're ready for that."

Tomorrow afternoon United take on Rooney's former club Everton at Goodison Park.