Get the day's biggest United stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Louis van Gaal has vowed to target the FA Cup in his first season as Manchester United manager.

The Dutchman was criticised for fielding a weakened team in the second round of the Capital One Cup against MK Dons despite having no European football to contend with this season. They went on to lose the game 4-0.

But Van Gaal insists he is keen to win the FA Cup this season. It's a trophy the club haven't lifted since 2004 when they beat Millwall in the final.

United were knocked out in the third round last season as David Moyes' side were beaten by Swansea at Old Trafford.

The draw for the third round is set to take place on Monday with the ties due to be played on the weekend of January 3.

Van Gaal said: "The league is our priority but the draw for the FA Cup will be made after this coming weekend's matches.

"I know what the FA Cup means to this club, our players and our fans. Its place in the history of Manchester United is well known.

"So it is hard to believe that long-serving players such as Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans have never won this cup. It is a medal I know they are desperate to get their hands on.

"Without Champions League football this season, and after the disappointment of being knocked out of the League Cup so early in the competition, the FA Cup will be a welcome addition to our current Premier League schedule.

"This is a very important competition and probably the most famous domestic cup in the world.

"In draws such as this I am often asked which teams I would like to avoid or would like to come up against. My only real wish is that we get to play the match at Old Trafford in front of a home crowd."