Nemanja Matic backs Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League

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Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has admitted the mood in the dressing room is ‘not fantastic’ following a difficult season.

Following the conclusion of the March international break and with United back in action against Leicester City on Saturday, the former Serbian international has given an insight into how and he and his teammates are feeling.

United’s last game prior to the international break saw Ralf Rangnick’s side crash out of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.

The Red Devils have also lost ground in the race to finish in the all important fourth Champions League qualifying spot. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who are currently fourth in the table, sit four points above United with a game in hand.

Matic has admitted that the atmosphere at Carrington has been impacted by the club’s inconsistent performances and results this season.

In an interview with talkSPORT, the 33-year-old said: “The atmosphere? It depends on results. Of course, when you have good results the atmosphere is much better and everyone is happy.

“As you know we are not in the best position in the league and the atmosphere is not fantastic, but we have to stay positive and believe until the end because we want to finish in that top-four.

“The atmosphere in our dressing room will depend on that. If we finish top-four then it will be good for us, everyone will be… I cannot say happy, but satisfied.

“If we don’t make that, it will be a very sad dressing room.”

The former Chelsea man still believes that United can qualify for the Champions League but accepts the margin for error is so small.

United’s number one added: “We need to finish in the top-four, that’s our aim and we will do everything for that.

“I think we can make it. We will need to win almost every game until the end of the season. I think that’s possible and we will do everything for that.”

While several of his teammates have been away on international duty, Matic will be hoping working closely with Rangnick at Carrington sees him earn a start against the Foxes at old Trafford on Saturday.