Former Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey says a long FA Cup run can galvanise the club.
United meet Nottingham Forest in the Fifth Round this week.
Cup winner Bailey told manutd.com: “They really have to dig deep, they have to put the best team out in every FA Cup match, they have to hope for some good draws because you have to have a bit of luck here and there.
“There's everything to play for. Obviously we have to get into Europe so there's still something to be done in terms of our league position. But a good FA Cup run will lift confidence, lifts morale and lifts the whole club. Fingers crossed we make the final again."
On winning the Cup this season, he also said: “I would love it this season primarily because we're out of Europe and probably not going to win the Premier League so this is all that's left," said Gary, who played 294 times for United between 1978 and 1987.
“Historically for United, it's been a massive trophy. It got a little bit lost in the 1990s and the 2000s because Sir Alex Ferguson's teams were just so wonderful in the league and the Champions League.
“But you go back to the 1980s and the 1970s, our runs in the FA Cup were legendary and the fans loved it. If we can get to an FA Cup final again this year and win it, I think it will end up still being a decent season so all our hopes are now resting on the FA Cup."
