Herrera: Reds will show spirit

ANDER Herrera says there’s no doubt in the Manchester United camp about the significance of tonight’s FA Cup quarter–final replay at West Ham.

The competition, which United has won 11 times - but not since 2004 - represents the final chance of a trophy in a disappointing season at Old Trafford.

The last time they claimed silverware of any kind was in 2013. Midfielder Herrera — who joined in 2014 — said: “We realise how important it is for us to get a trophy. I know how important the FA Cup is for our fans.

“I was talking to (United midfielder) Michael Carrick about it and he told me he wants to win and get to Wembley.”

The likes of Carrick, United playmaker Juan Mata and boss Louis van Gaal have also spoken since the 3–0 loss at Tottenham at the weekend about the magnitude of the last-eight contest.

Victory at Upton Park to set up a semi–final clash at Wembley with Everton would provide a boost for Van Gaal. The loss at Tottenham has prompted fresh questions over Van Gaal’s future and reports of dressing–room unrest.

“The FA Cup is a big competition. It’s very emotional,” the 26–year–old Spaniard said.

“In the Premier League you show your balance in terms of consistency over a season, but in the cup you show your spirit and your desire to win.”

United captain Wayne Rooney could make his first–team return in the cup-tie The forward played 61 minutes for United’s under–21s on Monday in his first game in two months. Phil Jones completed the full match and will also be assessed, as will fellow defender Timothy Fosu–Mensah