Darren Fletcher admits he and his Manchester United team-mates are now playing for their futures.

United bowed out of the Champions League on Wednesday night with a 3-1 defeat which sent Bayern Munich through to the semi-finals 4-2 on aggregate.

United’s season is now effectively over. There is little hope they will be able to bridge the seven-point gap that separates them from fourth place given that just five matches remain.

But the players who have let the club down in what has been a very disappointing campaign must not allow their season simply to fizzle out, according to Fletcher.

David Moyes will embark upon a multi-million pound re-building scheme over the summer. The Scot has already held discussions with targets who he says are keen to come to Old Trafford despite United’s failure to qualify for Europe’s top club competition.

“The boys have got to play well to stay in the manager’s thoughts for next season,” the United midfielder said.

“There is talk of a lot of changes so if you get an opportunity to play you have to go out there and perform and to show the manager that you want to be at United, that you are capable of being at United and you are good enough.

“A lot of people will say there isn’t a lot to play for now, but there is – you are playing for personal pride and to be in the squad for next season.”

Fletcher has seen United reach three Champions League finals during his 14-year spell at the club, so the idea of not being among Europe’s elite does not sit well with the proud midfielder.

“Watching the Champions League (on television) next year will be difficult to take,” the Scot said.

“We are used to playing in it all my career. This will be the first time we are not there.

“Hopefully the biggest thing that can do is give you more determination to get back in it.”