League Cup 'more important than ever' for United


Gary Neville

By Chris,
September 26 2011

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that the Carling-sponsored League Cup is more important for the country's biggest clubs than it has ever been before. The ex-Reds captain feels the clubs trophy success in 2006 acted as a springboard for one of the most successful periods in United's long and illustrious history. 

United skipper Neville picked up League Cup winners in 2006 and 2010 and has emphasised the importance of the competition.
 
Speaking in the Daily Mail, he said: "A few years ago it was almost as if you would chuck it in the bin even if you won it; that is was a lesser trophy. 
 
"But after this week’s action, I’m convinced it is proving to be a vital trophy and is now more important than it has ever been for the big clubs.
 
"There is a case to say that winning it can lay the foundations of a great trophy-winning team for the future. 
 
"It can provide teams with the confidence to finish off the season. Or, in the case of Arsenal, losing it can ruin your season".
 
United reached the fourth round of the competition following a comfortable 3-0 win at rivals Leeds, with Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs both finding the net.
 
The Red Devils now travel to Aldershot Town in round four and will be big favourites to progress to the quarter-finals and a step closer to another Wembley trip.
 
Neville has emphasised the importance of United's triumph in 2006 at the Millennium Stadium, which he feels paved the way for future success.
 
Ruud Van Nistelrooy was left out of the United team that day - and the Dutchman's career at the club never really recovered subsequently. 
 
"Looking back, the Carling Cup win of 2006, when we beat Wigan 4-0 in what was my first win as captain, was a massive victory for the club. That success taught young players like Wayne Rooney, for whom it was his first trophy, what it was like to win," said Neville.
 
"I would argue that it was the springboard to the most dominant period in the club’s history, when United won four titles out of five and qualified for three of the past four Champions League finals, winning in 2008".
 
Neville, now building a reputation as an excellent Sky Sports pundit, added: "United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are now all in the last 16, which tells you this is a significant trophy.
 
"Stop saying the League Cup is the least important trophy. Let’s say it is an important cup and to win it can lead to great things".

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League Cup 'more important than ever' for United
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