Man Utd face Norwich in FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday evening
Friday 26 June 2020 10:52, UK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says winning the FA Cup could be a catalyst for further success as Manchester United prepare to face Norwich in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
United have not won a trophy since lifting the League Cup and Europa League in 2017, and witnessed rivals Liverpool claim their first Premier League title on Thursday night.
However, Solskjaer has led United on a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions, and four points from their first two matches since lockdown - as well as the return to fitness of Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford - has stoked optimism at Old Trafford.
United go into their game at Carrow Road as strong favourites, and Solskjaer said: "The FA Cup is a fantastic tournament and it's a fantastic final to play a part in. It's a fantastic trophy to lift.
"Our team now is a new team, and to get our hands on the first trophy and to win a first title would be fantastic, and hopefully a catalyst for things to come."
Solskjaer won the FA Cup twice as a United player - in 1999 and 2004 - and memorably scored the winner against Liverpool in the fourth round during their Treble-winning season.
He rates that goal - as well as walking out at the old Wembley for the 1999 final against Newcastle - as his greatest moments in the competition.
"The FA Cup's fantastic," Solskjaer explained. "When I was a young boy back home, it was always the last game and the climax of the season. It was a game to look forward to and broadcast live in Norway.
"That goal against them [Liverpool] was probably the best moment in the FA Cup for me - apart from, of course, when you walk out at old Wembley. That was a proud moment for me, and my dad was in the stands.
"I've lifted it twice as a player, so hopefully I can get a chance to walk out at Wembley again.
"I'm not sure if the youngsters nowadays really understand how much it means. But I think our players have certainly realised."
