Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini says failure to qualify for Champions League would be ‘unacceptable’

Simon Peach

09:33 20/03/2016

The pressure is cranking up on Louis van Gaal as a difficult campaign edges towards completion, with the Dutchman’s side lagging four points behind in the race for a top-four finish.

The under-fire United boss accepts their Champions League hopes could all but be extinguished if they lose today’s do-or-die derby at fourth-placed Manchester City.

Thursday’s Europa League exit to Liverpool means the Premier League is their only remaining route to the continent’s top table – a finish Fellaini believes is the bare minimum.

“We have to do it because a team like Man United have to be in the Champions League next season,” he told the BBC. “We will fight to the end to be there.

“The derby is a great sensation, (a great) atmosphere.

“All the city will watch the game – the challenge, goals, everything – because it will be a big game, so everyone likes to watch a game like that.”

United supporters will not hold back if their side falter at the Etihad Stadium, if this campaign is anything to go by.

Van Gaal is not the only target of their ire as for some Fellaini is symbolic of the club’s decline in recent years, with his substitution in last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham cheered by pockets of supporters at Old Trafford.

“I think the players are used to it,” he said of the criticism. “I don’t read, I don’t listen. I am just focusing on my job. Okay, sometimes it is hard for my family, but the rest I don’t look at it.”

It is not just Fellaini’s footballing style that has been criticised as former referee Howard Webb branded him a “thug” for his physical approach in the Europa League last-16 clash with Liverpool.

In the first leg at Anfield he appeared to elbow Emre Can – though avoided any action from UEFA – and then in Thursday’s return was booked for making contact with Dejan Lovren with a flailing arm.

“I don’t want to elbow someone, I just defend myself,” Fellaini said.

“I am physical, I like to win my challenge – that’s English football – but I am not a dirty player.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini claims rivals United have a squad close in quality to his.

At times during the season the clubs have seemed to be heading in opposite directions but Pellegrini, guarding against complacency, has warned there is little to choose between them.

The Chilean said: “I think they are very close, both squads. Both of them have good players. United have also invested a lot of money to try to improve their squad.

“United have a very good squad. It doesn’t matter which players play, or in which way they play, they are always a dangerous team.”