Despite fielding a less than full strength FA Cup side against Southampton, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he will continue to treat the FA Cup with respect. Ferguson rested Cristiano Ronaldo and left Wayne Rooney on the bench until the second half against the Saints. But he is determined to use all his squad.

"United have always treated the competition with the greatest of respect, and that will never change," said Ferguson. "It can be difficult when you have Champions and Premier League games piling up at the end of a season, but the FA Cup is still a massive trophy to win.

"I love the competition and I know the supporters relish the ties as well. The World Club championship in Japan was a long trip for the players, and then it was straight into the Christmas Premier League fixtures.

"It means we have had to use the squad as much as possible - but that is what we have such a big squad for. We will give the FA Cup our full attention as ever."