Manchester United targeting FA Cup, says Ander Herrera

By Josh Frankland

Jose Mourinho says that Manchester United did everything right in the first half against Swansea

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is hoping they can secure second place in the Premier League - but admits the FA Cup is still "very important."

The FA Cup represents United's only realistic chance of silverware this season, with Jose Mourinho's side taking on Tottenham in the semi-finals of the competition on April 21.

Image: Manchester United's Ander Herrera is aiming for FA Cup success

Herrera returned to action at the weekend during United's 2-0 victory over Swansea at Old Trafford and is now hoping he can help guide the Red Devils to a second place finish in the Premier League.

Manchester City can clinch the Premier League title with victory over United on Saturday - live on Sky Sports - but Herrera is looking beyond this weekend and is focused on the trip to Wembley.

"It's a very important competition in this country and in the world, and if I'm not wrong it's the first ever competition in the history of football so it's very important for us," the Spanish international told United Review, the official Manchester United matchday programme.

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"It doesn't matter who you're playing against in the FA Cup semi-final, it's special.

"No one team is going to beat the other easily and we know that often semi-finals and finals can be won by teams in the last minutes of the games.

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"It was the same in the League Cup final last season when we won in the last few minutes and also in our (2016) FA Cup semi-final against Everton, when Anthony Martial scored, and the final against Crystal Palace when Jesse Lingard scored in extra time.

"So we know what we are going to face at Wembley, it won't be easy and we will really need to fight against a very good team.

Image: Anthony Martial scored Manchester United's winner against Tottenham earlier this season

"I think we have one less [FA Cup] than Arsenal - they have 13 and we have 12 so it's very important for us to win the competition and we have a 25 per cent possibility at the moment."

Herrera missed out on United's disappointment against Sevilla in the Champions League through injury, but enjoyed watching on from the stands during Premier League triumphs over Chelsea, Crystal Palace and fierce rivals Liverpool. He now believes their home form will be crucial to securing a place in the league's top two.

"I think the home games will be key." Herrera added.

"If we get the victories at home we will for sure be in the top four, but it's not enough for us.

Jose Mourinho says that Manchester United did everything right in the first half against Swansea

"We want to finish in the position we're in and also I think it will be a good way for us to prepare for next season. If we finish second we can then look to build on that."

"So that's what we are thinking now - try to win every game and finish second and then fight for the FA Cup. If we win the next few games in the league we will face the semi-final with more confidence."

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