Herrera: FA Cup Glory Feeling Overdue

Ander Herrera has revealed Manchester United players are approaching the FA Cup with the feeling that glory in the competition is overdue after words relayed to the squad by Ryan Giggs.

Ahead of Sunday’s third-round elimination of Yeovil Town, the Reds legend and current assistant manager – with four FA Cup winners' medals to his name – stressed that a club of United’s stature should not be without another crown in this contest after the last successful campaign came in 2004.

Such thoughts have driven Herrera, who volleyed in a fine opener at Huish Park, and the rest of Louis van Gaal’s group as they look to overcome difficult challenges in the second half of the season and lift football’s oldest trophy.

Asked by MUTV if the Reds aim to go the distance in this year’s offering, United’s no.21 replied: “Of course, Ryan Giggs said to us two days ago that we should not be [over] 10 years without this title. Of course we are going to try to win, even though we know it will be very difficult. All the teams in England are ready to win this competition but, of course, we are Manchester United and we have to try to win this competition.

“We are happy, of course, because we won [against Yeovil], but I think we could have done it better in the first-half. Then, in the second half, we tried to give the ball more and be more patient. Of course, we are happy about the FA Cup which is, as I said before, a very, very emotional tournament.”

Looking back on his instinctive spin and strike that sent the ball flying into the top corner of Jed Steer’s net, Herrera was pleased to be the one who opened the scoring and ultimately sent the Reds into the fourth round.

The midfielder recalled: “I think Fletch [Darren Fletcher] tried to play with Juan [Mata] between the lines, and then it was for me with the bounce. I tried to turn and shoot as soon as soon as possible because I knew the goalkeeper was maybe distracted. It was a very good goal and I am very happy. I hope to score more and always help the team."