Manchester goalkeeper David De Gea has said the club is intent on making the most of its early Champions League exit, by winning Europe's second tier competition.

Louis van Gaal's team were eliminated from European club football's premier competition at the group stage, as they finished third in a group that featured Wolfsburg, PSV Eindhoven and CSKA Moscow.

However, the Spanish goalkeeper is not dwelling on the Champions League disappointment, instead setting his sights on consolation in the form of the Europa League trophy.

'The Europa League is an enjoyable competition to play in. Naturally I have great memories of when I won in the final [with Atletico Madrid in 2010],' De Gea told United's official website.

David De Gea has said the club is intent on making the most of its early Champions League exit

Manchester United's 3-2 loss to Wolfsburg ended their Champions League campaign at the group stage

De Gea celebrates as Wayne Rooney's winner ended United's eight match winless run

'But this is Manchester United and while we've been knocked out of the Champions League, we are now in another competition and we will be trying to win it in just the same way.

'It's a long competition and a bit different to what we are used to playing in, with the games on a Thursday instead of a Tuesday or a Wednesday, and that can change your regime a little bit.

'But I think we are prepared and we will be having a real go at winning it.'

United's first challenge in the tournament comes in the form of Midtjylland in the round of 32 and despite the Reds vastly superior stature, De Gea expects a difficult clash against the team that orchestrated Southampton's elimination earlier this season.

'We've got a tricky tie, but then any opponent at this stage of this competition is going to be a difficult one,' he added.

'Obviously, we want to win both legs and hopefully that's what we'll do.'

Louis Van Gaal is under immense pressure as his team have struggled to progress this season