Poch believes the FA Cup is not life-changing
This game is huge as fuck. And for the record, if the staff and players don't believe it then it is slightly down to the board not prioritising a trophy. On the other hand, it could be the manager's fault for still wanting progress over... I don't know, external recognition and achievement.
Intrinsically, I believe he takes no value from the FA Cup. This is what is separating him from supporters. Business end of the season, two wins away to secure top 4, lost the semi last year. If we do not win this game or even at least take it to extra time then we are regressing.
Yes, we did well in the Champions League. Yes, we did well in the Premier League. In both competitions we still came unstuck against big sides in big games where the points and the goals didn't matter as much as the practical ruthless streak of winning.
Looking at his quotes, it tells me he is more pissed off about losing in the Champions League. He genuinely believes this competition has no baring on taking us to the next level. I disagree. Partly because the man next to him, Mourinho, does value winning a trophy, and will win and progress United as a club. Humbly, in his own pragmatic style. It does not go down well but it gets results.
Poch's way is fine, but if you say you want to win the two major competitions and fall short then it leaves nothing to fall back on. Jose won three minor competitions last year and people will remember that more than us finishing second. In my eyes, the FA Cup is major because of its history and they should offer a Champions League place for it.
Anyway, all said and done, the winner will prevail on Saturday evening. How can it be Poch? He doesn't even believe.