Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says he wants to win the FA Cup in his first season with the club.
United go to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon in a tough third-round tie, but the former Sporting manager says the history of the cup makes it important to him and United.
He said: I see what everyone sees. It's a really old rivalry with a lot of history.
“I remember seeing a few finals, including when we won the treble in 1999.
Our beginning #FACup Defense 🔜#MUFC pic.twitter.com/pt8dHrPWUa
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 8, 2025
“We have won some cups and we want to continue. At this stage we already have a really strong game and we want to win it and we want to improve the image and performance.
“We are in a difficult moment. We are improving, and we will field the best team to try to win. I will choose the best team to win. We want to win the cup.”
Amorim confirmed that Altay Binder will start in goal and will play with the strongest possible team.
United are the defending champions after stunning rivals Manchester City at Wembley last season, and have won the cup on 13 occasions – one less than Arsenal.
Amorim did not speak about the immediate future of Marcus Rashford, who is said to be keen to leave Old Trafford, but says he wants to continue the club's tradition of bringing in players from the academy.
“We need to improve recruitment processes, so that when we target players, we are sure they can handle the demands,” he said.
He added: “We also have to improve our academy. Young kids who feel the club in the right way and do some work to get money to invest in the team.
“Our idea is always to keep the best players and build this club, but I am really happy and I love our players, especially the young ones from the academy.”
United last met Arsenal in the cup in 2019, with Jesse Lingard scoring in a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
