Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes that the Carabao Cup is important for Chelsea and Manchester United this season, as they settle with new managers.
Frank Lampard has settled in well at Stamford Bridge, putting Chelsea in a solid position for their objective of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Meanwhile at Old Trafford, pressure has mounted upon Ole Gunnar Solksjaer after an inconsistent start has left the Red Devils well adrift in the Premier League, already seven points behind the top-four spots.
The pair face off against one another in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday evening, with Chelsea looking for revenge after a 4-0 defeat at the hands of United on the opening day of the new season.
While the competition will not be seen as a priority for both clubs, Parlour has explained why the Carabao Cup is important to both Lampard and Solskjaer as they seek a platform to build upon in the coming years.
“I think Lampard will look at this trophy and think it’s a way of getting one on the board as a manager. Absolutely, it would be stunning,” he told Sky Sports’ The Debate.
“It’s not the one you really want, compared to the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League, but it’s still a trophy, you can get those youngsters playing at Wembley, winning a trophy.
“But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is going to be in the same boat. He’s going to be looking at it thinking that he needs to win a trophy as well.”
