By Chris O'Brien
January 19 2006

England international Gary Neville has hit out at media claims that Manchester United are not bothered by the F.A Cup competition. The new Red Devils skipper has made it clear that he, and the whole squad, are anxious to win a 12th crown at the new Wembley come May.

Gary Neville has, if there was any ever doubt, underlined Manchester United’s intentions in the F.A Cup this season by insisting that the squad are determined to bury the memory of last year’s penalty heartache and lift the famous trophy at the new Wembley stadium.

 

Critics have accused United of taking the competition lightly after being forced into replays against non-league opposition for successive seasons. The media have furiously attacked United’s attitude in the great competition since a decision in 2000 to not enter an XI in favour of the slapdash World Club Championship.

 

Neville insists that the entire club never wanted to miss out on defending their F.A Cup crown some six years ago, and is determined to help United win a record 12^th crown. 

"Manchester United are the most successful club in FA Cup history," said the England international. “People should check their facts.”

"I don't know where these rumours start. Maybe it was when we didn't play because of the World Club Championship but I don't believe any other team in the same situation could have done it any differently. I know we were criticised but the players would have liked to do both - and so would the manager. There was huge pressure to play in the World Club Championship and I don't see how we can be criticised."

Nobody hurt as much as Neville after United’s bitterly disappointing Cup final loss last May. A lucky Arsenal side defended with their lives for 120 minutes before winning the penalty shoot-out 5-4 right in front of the Red Army. The sight of Patrick Viera firing past Roy Carroll still hurts. 

"We have to win a trophy," added United’s new captain. "It is not intense pressure; it is what is expected of us every year, by the fans, the manager and ourselves. For too long this club did not win trophies. If we don't we will be criticised and rightly so."