Andre Onana says winning the FA Cup would not be enough for Manchester United to class this as a successful season.
The Red Devils take on Manchester City at Wembley tomorrow in a repeat of last year’s showpiece won 2-1 by Pep Guardiola’s men.
United go in as massive underdogs as they try to prevent their neighbours from completing back-to-back domestic doubles, and also salvage some pride at the end of a campaign that saw Erik ten Hag’s side finish a disappointing eighth in the Premier League.
A major trophy would go some way to appeasing a frustrated fanbase but Onana says they should be aiming for more.
He told BBC Sport: “We know how good City are. They are the best team at the moment and we lost twice to them already.
“But we are motivated. Beating them wouldn’t make it a successful season. Playing for this club, I don’t think winning the FA Cup is enough.
“But it would make things look better. We go there to win.”
Ready for a trip to the capital! 🏟️🏙️#MUFC || #FACupFinal pic.twitter.com/3tPQlfdwKo
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 24, 2024
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What of under-fire coach Erik ten Hag?
A win would certainly strengthen the case for Ten Hag staying at Old Trafford despite increasing speculation new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe is eyeing up the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna to replace him over the summer.
Onana worked with Ten Hag at Ajax before they both moved to United and agreed with the Dutchman that the club’s progress this season has been hampered by a crippling injury list.
He added: “I’m not here to back him because he’s big enough to back himself.
“But he’s a really good guy, a positive coach and tactically he is good.
“If he had all his squad together, it would probably be different for him, for us, the club and the fans.”
Onana backs jilted Rashford
Another man with a point to prove tomorrow is forward Marcus Rashford, who was this week left out of England’s provisional 33-man squad for this summer’s European Championship.
Rashford scored 30 goals in all competitions last season but has managed just eight this term while also attracting criticism for a perceived lack of effort.
Onana was quick to stick up for his team-mate, saying: “We are talking about the same player.
“So now he’s a bad player? No. You can have a bad season or a bad start but the most important thing is how you end.
“Rashy, for me, is one of the best players in the world. But he is facing difficulty. It’s not only him and me but the whole club.
“But he will come back. I know my killer will score some important goals for us. Hopefully against City he will score two and we win the FA Cup.”
Can you see United winning?
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