Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Gary Neville explains main reason he is "demoralised" by Man Utd FA Cup exit

Gary Neville has admitted he was particularly disappointed with Manchester United's FA Cup defeat to Leicester due to the fact they would have faced Southampton in the semi-finals with victory.

The Red Devils slumped to a 3-1 loss at the King Power Stadium on Sunday and the Europa League is now their only hope of silverware this season.

The draw for the FA Cup final four was made at half-time of their game against the Foxes, and United would have avoided Manchester City and Chelsea to face the Saints if they had won.

And speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said it feels like a huge opportunity missed for his former side, while he also questioned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to rotate his team so heavily.

Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup with a disappointing loss to Leicester (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“I know he has been doing that, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (rotating), but this was a real chance," Neville said.

"You think about the semi-final draw that occurred at half-time in that game, which meant the winner played Southampton.

"It's not a gimme against Southampton in the semi-final by any stretch of the imagination but what an opportunity. And I do think believe that group of players need to win a trophy under Solskjaer.

"Yes, of course, finishing second would be the priority at the start of the season and winning a trophy will now be the priority with that, they only have the Europa League left but that was a real good one today.

Gary Neville has admitted he is hugely disappointed by United's exit (SKY SPORTS)

"They have a decent record at Leicester and I was in the car listening to the game, get back from behind and think 'here we go' not surprised with United away from home - but then that second and third goes in and it's a massive missed opportunity.

“I am demoralised a little bit tonight as a United fan because I do feel that was a really good one to go for this season."

United now have an international break before they can attempt to bounce back from their disappointment, and do not play again until they face Brighton on April 4.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.