LG targets cup first for hungry Rooney

LOUIS van Gaal believes Wayne Rooney’s fighting spirit can help secure the England captain’s first FA Cup – and the Manchester United manager’s first trophy in English football.

United have had a stop–start season but victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter–final tonight (7.45pm) would be a huge boost to Van Gaal’s first season in charge.

Rooney’s never–say–die spirit paid off once again on Wednesday when his refusal to give up forced Newcastle into an error that allowed Ashley Young to score a last–minute winner.

Van Gaal said: “He is very motivated as a captain and player and he wants to win a title.

“He hasn’t won the FA Cup yet, so for every player the first time is fantastic.

“You have seen how Wayne was motivated against Newcastle because it was a lost ball and when you see him running and pressing it was fantastic.

“We have showed already a lot of times that we can come back in the last minute even when we are behind and on Wednesday we scored out of nothing as the ball was already lost but because of fighting spirit of Wayne makes it very difficult for the opponent.

“This season we have shown fantastic fighting spirit and I’m very proud of my team.”