Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he needs to win the FA Cup this season to soften the blow of falling behind both Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premiership and crashing out of Europe in the second phase.

The under-fire Scotsman has been blamed for the shift of dominance to the likes of both Jose Mourinho's men and the Gunners in recent seasons, but is adamant he is still hungry for success.

"Explanations have ranged from me choosing the wrong tactics to the idea that I am past my sell-by date" he said. "It will help if we can win the FA Cup to show the season has not been as bad as some have made out - and that there is still life in the manager." 

He added: "I find it strange that when Newcastle sacked Bobby Robson, people said they had lost a manager with great experience,"

"It now seems that in Manchester, experience counts for nothing. But I will survive and so will Manchester United"

Rumours  of Roy Keane taking over the managerial position when Sir Alex decides to retire have been circulating as of late, but the board have stated they would never sack Ferguson.

"The only way we would ever be separated from Alex Ferguson is if he decides" said Old Trafford director Sir Bobby Charlton.