Moyes take note: Why Manchester United should take the Capital One Cup seriously

Manchester United take on Stoke City tonight in the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup. While the United fans who have enjoyed unprecedented success in recent years do not consider the tournament one of the most significant, David Moyes would be wise to treat it with respect. The general consensus is that the FA Cup is the far more prestigious domestic cup and yet the champions have won the League Cup three times since they last lifted the older trophy in 2004. While it might not have been a priority, Sir Alex Ferguson had an uncanny knack for picking up silverware in all its forms.

When United won the League Cup in 2006, Ferguson had been under the most pressure he’d experienced since the very early years of his reign. There was a very real sense that his position might be under threat and his powers were finally waning. Even Rob Smyth, one of football’s most astute observers, penned a piece in The Guardian suggesting it was time for the veteran to walk away. The manager repeatedly insisted his young side would come good and that the taste of silverware would make all the difference. A year later they won the league, and the year after that a league and Champions League double. Lifting a trophy, however seemingly insignificant, can be a catalyst for players, as also evidenced by Chelsea’s success in the tournament early on in Jose Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge.

United have started the season terribly and face a genuine battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League. While Moyes will doubtless be given time, the fans will want some cause for optimism if the league campaign doesn’t improve drastically. A trophy, particularly secured by a manager who has never before managed to pick one up in his career, would allay the fears of some.

The champions are without any fresh injury concerns and there is a belief that Darren Fletcher might feature once more, after making his first appearance in almost a year on Sunday against Aston Villa. Mark Hughes, the former United striker, is expected to pick a strong Stoke side and it would be foolish for Moyes not to do likewise. While United fans were happy enough to forego progress in the League Cup with more significant trophies within their reach, a defeat this evening would simply add to the sense that this is a winter of discontent at Old Trafford. The supporters will hope that the return of Fletcher is not the only thing they end up celebrating this season.