Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is desperate to go all the way in this year's FA Cup.
United midfielder eager to complete his medal collection
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is desperate to go all the way in this year's FA Cup.
That is the only major trophy the 29-year-old has yet to win with United and he admits it hurt to miss out in 2007.
The Red Devils faced Chelsea in the first FA Cup final to be played at the new Wembley and Didier Drogba claimed the game's only goal deep in extra-time.
With United's last FA Cup triumph coming in 2004, the likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are also yet to lift the famous trophy.
But Carrick is determined to put that right this season as United prepare to face Arsenal in this year's quarter-finals at Old Trafford on Saturday.
"There is a good chunk of us who haven't won the FA Cup, so we are desperate to progress," he told the
Manchester Evening News.
"I was fortunate enough to play in a final at Wembley when I played against Chelsea in 2007 but we lost so my memories are not too fond.
Hard to take
"It was hard to take, losing that final. I have been lucky enough to win other trophies and I am very proud of them but missing out on this one hurts.
"I think that goes for a lot of our squad. That's why we are so keen to get to Wembley and win this time. A lot of us are missing that medal and we want one."
Arsenal were dumped out of the Champions League in midweek as Barcelona overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit at the Camp Nou to win 4-3 on aggregate.
The Gunners also lost the Carling Cup final to Birmingham two weeks ago but United have suffered successive league defeats.
Arsene Wenger's men are United's biggest rivals for the Premier League title and Carrick is expecting a pulsating cup clash on Saturday.
"Arsenal obviously have a very talented midfield," he said. "They showed against Barcelona in the first leg how good they can be.
"They are very skilful and dangerous and play their way. They don't change it for anyone. We have always had good games against them and pretty close games.
"They are usually good footballing games and I am sure it can be one the fans will savour.
"We always have great respect for them because we are well aware that, when they are on their game, if you are not switched on they are very capable of beating the very best.
"It is going to be quite a showdown. These are the huge games you want to play in."
