Louis van Gaal optimistic of winning FA Cup

Tomiwa Babalola

Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gaal has expressed his intention to win the FA Cup to his first season in charge.

United beat Cambridge United 3-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, after the fourth tier side set up a replay with the topflight side in their goalless draw in the first leg of the game.

With Chelsea and Manchester City already eliminated, Van Gaal believes a 12th FA Cup is there for the taking.

"The FA Cup is a trophy and I'm living for trophies as a coach," he told United's website (www.manutd.com)

"For me, personally, I want a trophy everywhere I work in my first season. We have a real chance now. We are the highest-ranked team in the FA Cup. Our status is of the highest club.

"People are maybe betting on us but I am not allowed! I am not a casino man.

"The highest-ranked teams have the better chance of winning."

United make the short trip to third-tier Preston North End in the next round, hoping to avoid the problems they experienced during a 0-0 draw at Cambridge last month.

"Preston will not be a piece of cake," Van Gaal said.

United's focus returns to the league on Sunday and a tricky fixture at West Ham United.

Van Gaal's side are in third spot, 10 points behind leaders Chelsea, having not been entirely convincing this season. They are only one point above fifth-placed Arsenal in the battle for a top-four finish and Champions league qualification.