In Focus: Would lifting the FA Cup mean more to Leicester or United?

The final FA Cup quarter-final of the weekend sees Premier League high-fliers Leicester and Manchester United meet at the King Power Stadium

Leicester sit third in the top flight, one place and one point below United, with both looking certainties to qualify for the Champions League.

United face Granada in the Europa League quarter-finals next month, while the Cup represents Leicester's only realistic chance of silverware — but who needs to lift the famous trophy more?

The case for Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear that he does not feel winning the FA Cup or Europa League is important for the wider progress of his side.

Speaking ahead of United's victory at AC Milan on Thursday night, he said: "The cups are sometimes an ego thing for managers and clubs.

"It's not like a trophy will say 'we are back', no. It's gradual progression at the top of the league. Sometimes the cup competitions can hide your progress a bit."

But it is four years since United lifted the Europa League after a 2-0 victory over Ajax in Stockholm, when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

That is their longest stretch without silverware since before Sir Alex Ferguson took over in 1986 — but what is more concerning is their mental block at the business end of competitions.

They lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals back in January and also went out in the last four of that competition, the FA Cup and Europa League last season.

Results of that nature on the big stage are concerning for United — although the recent Manchester derby victory over City in the league suggests they are learning.

Former United full-back Gary Neville is adamant his old side must win a trophy this term, labelling it the ‘starting point’ for all of the club's most recent successes.

Neville said: "The FA Cup has become critical to this football club this season. The League Cup and FA Cup has been the starting point for Manchester United teams over the last 15 to 20 years.

"If Solskjaer is going to be successful at this club, he not only needs to finish second in the Premier League but he has to win a trophy. 

"That would be seen as real progress. Then you're attracting players next season to try and catch Manchester City."

And it is hard to disagree. As Solskjaer’s side develop, a trophy would send a warning to the rest of the big six.

The view from Leicester

After late season struggles cost Leicester a Champions League spot on the final day last term, all eyes at the King Power Stadium will be firmly focused on making sure they do not repeat the trick.

Despite a plethora of injuries, Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes still sit third and have an eight-point cushion to West Ham in fifth.

But they do play five of the top eight before the end of the season, including trips to Manchester United and Chelsea, with a home clash against Tottenham on the final day.

Neville said: "Leicester are the one team you'd be most nervous about, because they did blow up last season. But I think there's just enough this season.

"I don't see West Ham catching Leicester and the teams below them are so inconsistent and seem to be all over the place. I'm not sure which one of them is going to put a run together."

And that is why the FA Cup offers Leicester a glorious opportunity — winning the trophy would arguably be their biggest statement yet.

Not since 2013 have a side outside of United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal won either of the domestic cups.

Finishing in the top four is the No1 goal for Leicester but crowning that with a trip to Wembley for the final would signal their intent to stay at the top for years to come.

While United have waited four years for a trophy, it has been 21 since Leicester enjoyed cup success — Martin O’Neill leading his side to a 2000 League Cup final win against Tranmere.

The verdict

There are reasons why both clubs need to target the FA Cup this season, yet it still feels like a trophy is more important to United.

Leicester’s main aim at the start of the campaign would have been to finish in the top four and book their spot in the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17.

A top-four finish was the absolute minimum expectation for Solskjaer’s side and, while securing second would be better than they may have expected, a trophy will only strengthen the Norwegian's position.

A favourable quarter-final draw against Granada in Europe offers United hope on that front but the two-legged ties mean they are still a long way from the Europa League final in Gdansk.

Just two wins stand between them and the FA Cup final — and it is a competition they should now be focusing on more than ever.