Purslow: Champions League is key for Manchester United's future

The 50-year-old businessman says the Red Devils can survive a year without European football but could struggle if they fail to qualify for the 2015-16 competition.

 

Former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow believes Manchester United may never get back into the Champions League if they fail to qualify for two consecutive seasons.

The Red Devils have struggled in David Moyes' first season in charge, occupying seventh place in the Premier League and languishing 11 points behind Liverpool, who occupy the final qualifying place behind Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Unlucky Manchester United boss Moyes just needs time, says Pulis

The Crystal Palace manager, who takes on the Red Devils on Saturday, believes his Scottish counterpart has not received the breaks enjoyed by predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.

 

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis is confident Manchester United will give David Moyes the time needed to turn around the club's poor form, which the Welshman attributes to bad luck.

The reigning champions travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday looking for their first win in four league matches, while Palace, reinvigorated under their new manager, have won three of their last four games.

But Pulis believes Old Trafford counterpart Moyes will eventually lead United out of their current rough patch and is convinced the Scot will get the support and patience he needs to rebuild.

Manchester United's style of play is 'difficult' for Van Persie, claims Van Gaal

The Netherlands head coach is confident the striker will impress at the World Cup because the national team's approach is less simple and better suited to his ability.

 

Robin van Persie is finding the style of football being played at Manchester United under David Moyes "difficult", Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has claimed.

Van Persie has reportedly clashed with Moyes over the Scot's training practices this season and the Dutch FA have contacted United about the striker's continued injury problems ahead of the World Cup.

Van Gaal believes the former Arsenal striker will be prepared for the World Cup because the national team's game is less simple than United's and is more suited to his abilities.