Neville: ‘Reds have had good campaign’

THE last two times United won the FA Cup they failed to win the Premier League, finishing third under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2004 and fifth in Louis van Gaal’s second soporific season.

United complemented a title win with the FA Cup in 1999, 1996 and 1994 but last lifted the trophy in a domestic campaign where they finished league runners-up in 1948.

That is the outcome Jose Mourinho is hoping for in a season where United’s brief title challenge ended before Christmas. Mourinho has only hoisted the FA Cup once – against United with Chelsea in 2007 – but should he guide United to a recordequalling 13th Cup he will have secured three trophies in two years.

United legend Gary Neville collected three FA Cup winner’s baubles with the club and agrees with Mourinho that United’s term could be described as ‘good’.

“For United, is it a great season? No,” Neville told Sky Sports. “But it is a good season because the momentum is still going as they have the opportunity to win the FA Cup and finish second, which would be progression.

“The importance of getting another medal round the necks of the players should not be underestimated in terms of keeping building and challenging Manchester City next season.”

After Saturday’s semi-final victory over Tottenham, Mourinho stressed United’s season was a ‘good’ one if they finished second, irrespective of whether they claimed silverware or not.