Neville: Capital One Cup Win Would Help Salvage Season

Losing the Capital One Cup semi-final to Sunderland would be a huge dent in Manchester United's disappointing season, says Gary Neville.

David Moyes' side host The Black Cats off the back of a 3-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea and must recover from a 2-1 aggregate deficit from the first leg at The Stadium of Light.

Neville believes his former club, who are already out of the FA Cup, need a trophy under their belt to smooth out some of the dents from a disappointing league campaign.

He said: "It's a big game for two reasons: One - It's the immediate game (after Chelsea), but secondly Manchester United and David Moyes need to get a trophy under their belt.

"I think the club at the moment needs a big game win. If you're looking at this moment in time to salvage something out of this season - which is obviously not a good one for United - they've got the Champions League to look forward to, if they can win on Wednesday night they've got a cup final - though City would be big favourites, and then obviously they've got to try and get into the fourth spot.

"I think in terms of realistic achievements this is a big part of it. To go out against Sunderland on Wednesday would be another massive dent in this season."

Sunderland, despite sitting 19th in the Premier League, have been in reasonably good form of late picking up four wins in their last seven games including the 2-1 first-leg win over United.

Neville believes Gus Poyet's side will have one aim, to score the first goal and build on the Old Trafford anxiety that has seen them lose five games in all competitions at home this season.

"Obviously Sunderland are going to be up for it because there's a carrot for them as well. Gus Poyet wants to get to a Cup Final and put more belief and confidence into his team," added Neville.

"The big thing for Sunderland will be to score a goal and to score the first goal. I'm sure they'll be concentrating on that because what that will then do is create nervousness in United's team.

"When they're 1-0 down it's been difficult for them at times at Old Trafford. You think about West Brom, Newcastle and against Everton, so actually getting that first goal must be the target that Gus Poyet is going for.

"I think he's got to go there and be aggressive, be positive and try and create a nervousness and anxiety that does exist when you're going through a bad period, which United obviously are."