The FA Cup remains Manchester United's only realistic chance of winning silverware this season. Hence they will need to come out all guns blazing Sunday, when they take on West Ham in the FA Cup quarterfinals at Old Trafford.
Their recent below-par performance against Liverpool, to whom they lost 2-0 in the Europa League round-of-16 first leg at Anfield, has decreased their chances in that competition, though they can still win at Old Trafford, defeating the Reds by three clear goals in the second leg.
However, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal seems optimistic, as he believes the team is still in the race for three titles this season. These are huge ambitions for van Gaal, whose side lost also to West Brom in the EPL ahead of their match against Liverpool.
Manchester United should forget about their last two fixtures and hope to turn it around against West Ham.
"There is of course much more pressure on us now, but it is also possible [that we win] against West Ham. We are still in three competitions, so we need to fight. We still have the chance to win something and you have to believe in that," van Gaal was quoted as saying by United's official website.
Manchester United have their eyes set on the semifinals, which will be played in April at the iconic Wembley stadium. Goalkeeper David de Gea wants his players to give everything to finish with a silverware this season.
"To play there is a really good experience, as it is a stadium with a lot of history of big games and trophies - hopefully we will be there," de Gea said.
"For a club like Manchester United, we always try to win everything. We have to give everything to win a trophy and that's what we want – we'll try to do our best to win a trophy and make it a good season.
"We know West Ham are a really good team, but we have to win to reach Wembley to be in the semi-final, and I think it's a good moment to win this game."
Even if they are to emerge victorious, they will have to do without their star player Wayne Rooney, as well as Luke Shaw and Ashley Young, who are out with injuries.
Like Manchester United, West Ham also want to reach the semifinals and the Red Devils stand in their way. West Ham can give the home team a tough time, and should be in a buoyant mood after their impressive 3-2 win against Everton. Dimitri Payet and Mark Noble showed great form in the win, and are considered to be key players for West Ham in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Wins such as the one against Everton should give West Ham the much-needed confidence to defeat Manchester United. They have played some good football this season and are still in the race for the Champions League spot.
Payet hopes United players are not fresh for the game after their loss to Liverpool, and wants to take advantage of the situation. He is keen to play at Old Trafford.
"Of course I watched the game on Thursday night," West Ham's official website quoted Payet as saying.
"I saw a wholehearted game and we hope that they left plenty out there and they won't be fresh. I hope we can take advantage Sunday.
"It [Old Trafford] is a top Premier League ground and one that I love and I was very disappointed to miss the league game when I was injured. I look forward to playing there this time."
West Ham, unlike United, do not have major injury concerns and will rather have Enner Valencia and Joey O'Brien for the important clash.
Where to watch live
Manchester United vs West Ham is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. GMT (9:30 p.m. IST, 12 p.m. EST) start. India viewers can catch Manchester United vs West Ham live on Sony Six/HD. Online streaming will be available on SonyLiv.
In the UK and Ireland, viewers can catch FA Cup quarterfinal -- Manchester United vs West Ham --on BT Sport 2.Online streaming will be available on BT Sport Live.
US viewers can watch the FA Cup quarterfinal on Fox Sports 1 USA and Fox Deportes. Online streaming will be available on Fox Sports Go and Fox Soccer2Go USA.
MUTV will also broadcast the game.
