Reds must now refocus for top four push after Cup exit

The contentious disappointment of United's cup exit will linger for a while but the team must put it behind them and refocus on the vital job of securing Champions League football for next season.

We  may have missed out on the FA Cup final but in reality our last ten league games all represent cup finals in themselves as the Reds must refocus and target a strong finish to the season.

Securing a return to the Champions League has been the priority all season and Monday's loss does not change the fact that a top four finish would represent a successful season for Louis van Gaal in a transitional first season in charge.

United's run in is far from favourable with trips to champions elect Chelsea and in-form Liverpool to come as well as home matches against top four chasing rivals Tottenham, Manchester City and a rematch with Arsenal on the penultimate  weekend. 

United were the better side on Monday until Antonio Valencia's unfortunate backpass led to Welbeck's winner but, with only five points separating Arsenal in third and Southampton in  seventh, an immediate return to winning ways in now a must for LVG's side. 

Despite what the cynical United haters and doom merchants may say- most of whom are desperate for us to fail- Louis van Gaal has done as well as expected with the squad he has and the little time he has had to do it in, but that will count for nothing if we fail to finish in the top four.

Realistically United should, on paper, win eight of our remaining ten games which would be enough to secure a top four position with even a late push for second position not out of the question.

Next up for the Reds is another match with north London opponents as we welcome fellow Champions League chasers Spurs (sorry, Harry Kane) to Old Trafford on Sunday and victory for the Reds would all but rule the men from the Lane out of the race Champions League qualification. 

So Monday was disappointing, but it is now essential that the Reds dust themselves down, shake off the setback and refocus on the critical challenges that lie ahead as the season heads for an exciting finale.

UTID!