EFL Cup win can ease pressure on Manchester United - Ryan Giggs

February 25, 2017
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from PA Sport, ESPN FC
Manchester United great Ryan Giggs believes winning the EFL Cup is crucial for Jose Mourinho's developing side.
 
United step out at Wembley against Southampton on Sunday looking to avenge the FA Cup final defeat of 1976 and, far more importantly, win their first major trophy under Mourinho.
 
Last season's FA Cup is the only major success United have tasted since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, but things seem to be going in the right direction under Louis van Gaal's successor. The Red Devils may have grander ambitions than the EFL Cup, but fans' favourite Giggs believes success on Sunday will be hugely influential.
 
"This was the first trophy I won and it was the first trophy that I think Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo won, so it does give players that feeling of what it is like to win something with Manchester United," he told the Press Association.
 
"That gives you the confidence to then go on and it sort of takes the pressure off a little bit that you have already won something this season.
 
"Especially with United going for the fourth place, the FA Cup and the Europa League, it is sort of that little bit of security that you've already won something.
 
"It doesn't mean that you rest on your laurels, but it is that sort of little pressure going rather than getting beat in the final and the pressure is like doubled because you might not win anything."
 
The 43-year-old made a record 963 appearances for the club before becoming assistant manager -- a role he left in the summer to pursue a career in management. And Giggs insists that the club are still rebuilding.
 
"I think it is a really important trophy to win, especially this year," he added. "I think for most fans, win a trophy and get a Champions League spot this year would be hailed as a successful season building for next season."
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