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Wayne Rooney admits Manchester United did not deserve a Champions League place.

In a damning indictment of United under Louis van Gaal, Rooney claims they did not score enough goals - the tally of 49 was their worst in the league since 1990.

They only managed one more than Sunderland and Rooney says this is why they missed out on fourth place on goal difference to rivals Manchester City.

"Yeah it's agonising to miss out, but we haven't scored enough goals this season," said the United and England skipper. "In the Premier League, after 38 games, you finish where you deserve to finish.

"There are no complaints from us as players. We weren't good enough to finish in the top four this season and we need to improve on that next season."

In pictures: United 3-1 Bournemouth

United must now decide Van Gaal's fate for failing to reach their target of third and an automatic Champions League place.

Although they can shrug off the estimated £30million hit to their finances, the blow to their prestige as one of the world's top clubs cannot be dismissed so lightly.

Jose Mourinho is waiting to take over and many fans want Van Gaal out.

They have had enough of his turgid style and booed him when he spoke to them from the pitch after Tuesday's final game against Bournemouth.

Van Gaal admits missing out on the Champions League is a step back for United and they are down one place, four points and 13 goals on last season.

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The Dutchman is confident he will see out the final year of his contract and believes he can salvage the season by lifting the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Cup has been the one highlight for United and Rooney said: "I think the problem for us this season is that we have not been consistent enough. We know that's the key for us really.

"There have been games where the performances have been excellent and there have been games where it's been below par, so we know that finding that right balance, that consistency, would have made the season a lot better for us."

Rooney managed eight goals as he failed to reach double figures in the Premier League for the first time in his 12-year United career.

(Image: Alex Livesey)

That was partly down to playing in midfield since returning from his knee injury last month and he feels this is his future position.

Rooney, 30, said: "Sometimes you have to make choices in your career and at the moment it's better for me to play deeper.

"It could be a bit different for England, where I could still be the striker, but probably next season that's where I see myself playing."

"I'm sure Roy Hodgson will have his ideas of where he thinks is best for me. It could be where I play for England, but that's down to Roy."

Read more:Missing the top four on goal difference painful for a club built on attacking football