Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes his side will have to be at their best to overcome Belgian outfit Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The Premier League giants face Brugge over two legs and the winner will book a place in the Champions League group stage, with the losing team securing a spot in the Europa League.

It has been suggested that United have been handed a fairly easy tie for the Champions League play-off round, but Van Gaal has stressed Brugge should not be taken lightly and he expects a stern test from the team who finished as runners-up in the Jupiler Pro League last season.

“You cannot say it is not any pressure because they are a good team,” he said. “We have to show our quality.”

“These kind of matches are difficult and because of the draw I think it is much more difficult because we have drawn Brugge. Brugge can defend very well, and they can attack also.

“Everyone wants to participate in the Champions League but first you have to beat Club Brugge.”

United are without defender Phil Jones for the visit of Brugge on Tuesday but midfielder Marouane Fellaini is available as his suspension, which has carried over from the final game of last season, only applies to domestic fixtures.

Goalkeeper David de Gea is expected to miss out again amid speculation over his United future.

The first leg takes place at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the second to be held on Wednesday, August 26 at Brugge’s Jan Breydel Stadium.