Vidic focus on winning FA Cup for Manchester United

Manchester United vs Chelsea on Monday for England FA Cup quarter-final replay match.

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is determined to beat Chelsea and march towards FA Cup glory.

Despite spending seven years with Manchester United, Vidic has yet to lay hands on the FA Cup trophy.

He was present in 2007 when Manchester United lost to Chelsea in the final at the new Wembley Stadium, as well as their defeats to Everton and Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals previously.

“My aim before every season is to win a trophy,” said Vidic.

“You want to be there for the big games and once the season is finished, and you are going home or on holiday, you want to see what you have won. That is the thing that has always pushed me.”

Despite the FA Cup having apparently lost some of its lustre in recent years, as the leading clubs prioritise the Champions League above all else, Vidic says it retains a unique appeal.

“The cup in Serbia is obviously a trophy, but the league has always been seen as the main thing,” said the centre-back.

“Over the last few years in England the semi-finals and finals have always been interesting because Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have always been there and they are the teams who are always watched.

“People always want to see them, especially when they are fighting for a trophy. It makes them important games.”

The winners of Monday’s game at Stamford Bridge will face Manchester City in the last four, and Vidic admits he would rather have a less intimidating opponent awaiting in the last four.

“I would prefer to have a semi-final against Blackpool!” he said.

“I want to win the trophy. That is more important than who we play against.

“Obviously City are in the semi-final. That would mean one more step towards a trophy. But first it is Chelsea.”

After 16 months dogged by knee problems, Vidic has returned to full fitness to marshal a United defence that has kept a clean sheet in six successive Premier League games.

However, the 31-year-old says he does not need silverware to prove that he has recaptured his best form.

“A trophy doesn’t show I have recovered and I am back,” he said. “It is more important for me to be part of the team and to feel I am helping it.

“I am working hard. I am trying to be in the same form as I was before my injury. The fans can say whether I am or not.

“That is the challenge for me. Winning trophies is about the team, not the individual.”