Manchester United 'Love' The FA Cup - Ferguson

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Sir Alex Ferguson - Manchester United (PA)

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Sir Alex Ferguson still has the utmost repect for the FA Cup, despite the way in which it is treated as a distraction by many contemporary managers.

The Scot's Manchester United team eased past Championship outfit Southampton 3-0 at the weekend, to book their passage into the fourth round, where they will face Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

United also face an away trip to Derby County on Wednesday night for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, but Ferguson will make the best use of his squad as he mounts a serious challenge on all fronts.

"United have always treated the competition with the greatest of respect, and that will never change," the Glaswegian told The Manchester Evening News.

"It can be difficult when you have Champions and Premier League games piling up at the end of a season, but the FA Cup is still a massive trophy to win.

"I love the competition and I know the supporters relish the ties as well. The World Club championship in Japan was a long trip for the players, and then it was straight into the Christmas Premier League fixtures.

"It means we have had to use the squad as much as possible - but that is what we have such a big squad for. We will give the FA Cup our full attention as ever."

Cristiano Ronaldo was rested against Southampton, and Wayne Rooney remained on the bench until the second-half, as Ferguson endeavoured to keep his stars fresh for the stiffer challenges that they will soon face.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com