Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold has made it clear how crucial Champions League football is to the club.

United will return to the competition next season.

"If you ask anybody at the club how important is it, whatever you call the competition, not being at the top table you can be in is a matter of pride," Arnold said.

"It's where the players want to play, it's where the fans want to see us. Not being there hurts, right? We all aspire and see it as a key achievement milestone for us.

"Economically it is a different question. Again going back to taking a long-term vision and structuring your business to be profitable and the diversified income stream we have.

"I think it has been a much smaller number than many people expected in terms of how it has affected our profitability and our ability to compete economically for the best players and that sort of thing on the pitch.

"The fact we manage our finances to make sure that we have a long-term view, we are sustainable and solid, doesn't take away from the fact not being in it was really painful.

"Tuesday and Wednesday watching other teams compete broke my heart all this year. Touch wood, next year that will be different. You want to be in that top competition."