Axel Tuanzebe believes the momentum Manchester United will take from the Carabao Cup win at Everton into the semi-final clash with Manchester City will be key when the sides meet in January, as will home advantage.
For the second year running, the Reds will face the Blues in the last four of the competition. United narrowly missed out last season, but Axel says the players are determined to go one step further this time, especially after losing out in a further two semi-finals last term in other cup competitions.
“It's a good team to have in the semi-final because they're one of those teams that if you beat them then you're going into the final with real confidence,”
he told club media’s Stewart Gardner, after playing his part in the excellent 2-0 quarter-final win over Everton.
“We want to win this trophy and trophies don't come around too often so it's an opportunity we need to take. We’ve got the home advantage. We believe in ourselves and obviously on the back of this game [against Everton] I thought we played very well and started the game very sharp, so we want to take this momentum into that game.
“It was a tight game against City [recently],” he added. “They play good football and we know what to expect, we'll be prepared for them. We're very frustrated about the Champions League still and we want to come out with some silverware. It's been a couple of years since we've won anything and we want to win something this year.”
Tuanzebe played the 90 minutes at right-back against the Toffees and, after some trouble with injuries this term, he wants to continue to play his part during a busy period.
“It was good - 90 minutes in the bank again but most important is we're through to the next round,”
he insisted. “It's good to get involved going forward. As a kid you always play football to always get forward and to have that little bit more freedom today was good.
“I feel good,” he continued. “The main focus for me now is to have a good mid-season. There are a lot of games coming up during this Christmas time. The most important thing is to stay fit and be available. The games come thick and fast and we need to get through it and have a strong end to the season.“
The 23-year-old also praised the brilliant spirit amongst the group, particularly after the recent Champions League setback.
“The team spirit has been massive, especially since we got knocked out of the Champions League,”
he revealed.
“The lads have come together and everyone is ready to play a part. It's a team sport and everyone is ready and training hard. Some of the lads haven't played much this season, but we always try to come in and do the job.”
WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided an update to media ahead of our Boxing Day trip to Leicester City. Look out for quotes on ManUtd.com and our official app at 13:30 GMT.
You can also check out our match preview of the visit to the King Power Stadium and don't forget to read all the post-match reaction from a memorable victory on Merseyside last night.
WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?
We got to another semi-final, that's what happened! If you missed the action against Everton, you can watch it now by scrolling down to the links below. You can also have a read of our match report, direct from Goodison Park.
Read more on the full Carabao Cup semi-final draw and find out who won our Man of the Match award in the 2-0 victory over the Toffees.