United's priority is now FA Cup, says Queiroz
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-13 16:43

Manchester United's priority is now the FA Cup, assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said after their 4-0 quarter-final victory over Southampton on Saturday.

United were dumped out of the Champions League by AC Milan in midweek and could fall 11 points behind Chelsea in the Premier League when the leaders play their game in hand against lowly West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.

However two goals from Paul Scholes and one each for Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo provided a welcome boost for the FA Cup holders as they outclassed Southampton.

"It was very good for us today, especially after what happened in Milan," Queiroz told the BBC. "We are back in business.

"Keane's goal after two minutes allowed the players to play with confidence and consistency. This result and the way we played showed the spirit of Manchester United.

"The Cup is now our priority, although that doesn't mean we won't fight for the 27 points available in the league."

Southampton boss Harry Redknapp said his re-shuffled team had been set an impossible task.

Redknapp was missing his first-choice midfield with Nigel Quashie Cup-tied, David Prutton suspended and his son Jamie and Graeme Le Saux both injured, along with defender Rory Delap.

"It was always going to be a difficult night," Redknapp told reporters after the mauling by Alex Ferguson's side.

"It's not an excuse...(but) I've ended up with a decimated squad. I've lost all my midfield and my right back, and then I lose (defender Claus) Lundekvam at halftime.

"I can't play Manchester United with six of my best players missing. It's impossible...to be honest, I came here tonight, I looked at my team and just hoped we didn't get smashed up.

"You take five or six out of Alex's team and they might struggle. I can't afford to lose them."

The Cup exit leaves Redknapp with the task of steering Southampton, currently 18th in the Premier League table, away from relegation.

"That's the only thing that matters at the end of the day," said the Saints boss.

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