Former Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins feels Louis van Gaal needs a top four finish this season.
Wilkins says new boss Van Gaal - who guided Holland to third in the World Cup - must prioritise cementing a berth in the top four over winning a trophy.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think it's a blow [to not be in the Champions League] because I don't think Van Gaal will be able to bring in the A-Listers he wants to bring in during this window.
"I don't think Man United should worry about winning anything this year as qualifying for the Champions League is paramount - it's where they need to be and where we want to see them.
"The loss of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who have kept them rock-solid at the back for so long, will be a massive blow as at the moment Louis has brought in potential in Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao) and Luke Shaw (Southampton).
"It's great potential but it's still just potential."
