Manchester United's Matteo Darmian keen to take 'big FA Cup chance'

Matteo Darmian is determined to help Manchester United end the season on a high.

Louis van Gaal's side have been inconsistent this term but still remain in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Premier League and they take on Everton in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

And Darmian is keen to put a smile on the faces of United fans, who have seen their club's sustained period of success followed by a barren run since 2013.

"I think winning has helped us to increase our confidence, but now we have to be focused because the last games are like a final for us and after that we have to wait and see what place we are," the Italy international full-back said.

"I think Manchester United always play to win - to win trophies, to win the Premier League. But now we have to be focused on these games that remain because we want to close the season better than we started it.

"I think not only for me but for the team and for the fans, it's a big chance to win a trophy.

"We know also the importance of the game on Saturday against Everton - it's a big game and now we have to prepare ourselves. We want to be ready for the fight because I think it will be a difficult game, but like always we want to win.

"We want to make our fans proud and try to win the trophy because Manchester United is used to winning trophies, so we have to be ready and focused."

Darmian is wary of wounded Everton, hammered 4-0 by rivals Liverpool on Wednesday, as he prepares to visit Wembley for the very first time.

The Italian is "really proud" to have a chance to walk out at the ground, which he heads to buoyed by a match-winning display against Crystal Palace.

Having seen his early cross turned home by Damien Delaney, the defender then scored the best goal of his career to wrap up a 2-0 win on Wednesday.

"I think for a player it is always difficult to change the culture and also to change the football because the Premier League is a little different from Serie A," the former Torino defender said.

"It's more physical and less tactical, all of the teams play stronger, but I try to adapt to this kind of game and this type of football.

"Yes, at the beginning my football was very good but sometimes it can happen, a period when we are not so good physically.

"But now I'm focused on the end of the season, and that's it. I look forward to doing better."