Moyes to call in cavalry for cup semi

Under-fire Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he will not be treating tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final at Sunderland any differently just because his side were dumped out of the FA Cup.

Instead of being an occasion to savour as he might have imagined, the two-legged encounter with Gus Poyet’s side has taken on ‘must-win’ proportions given it is United’s only realistic chance of domestic silverware this term.

Way off the pace in the Premier League and eliminated from the major cup competition at the third round stage for only the second time in three decades, should the Red Devils fail to advance to a Wembley final at the expense of the side rock bottom of the table, terrace disenchantment with Moyes will start to solidify.

In turn, that would only further erode the confidence of a squad that won the title by 11 points during Alex Ferguson’s final year in charge.

Yet Moyes shows no signs of flinching, despite the increased pressure and scrutiny, from outside the club at least.

“Our approach to Sunderland had to have the FA Cup game in mind because it was two matches in 48 hours,” said the Scot.

“There is a job in front of us in every competition we enter. We have got to overcome Sunderland in a two-game match to reach the final.”

Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic should all return after missing the Swansea game.

And whilst Wayne Rooney is troubled by a groin problem, the mere fact he was able to play against Tottenham on New Year’s Day suggests he will push himself through a game of even more importance.

The unknown is Robin van Persie, who did appear to be nearing a return after a thigh problem, but about whose comeback Moyes spoke in negative terms at the weekend, when the Scot claimed not to know when his key striker may reappear.

With Manchester City as likely final opponents, the silverware that could buy Moyes some valuable time as he attempts to assert his own authority on the Red Devils cannot be taken for granted.

Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has urged his side to put a “nightmare” season to one side tonight.

The 46-year-old said: “It’s nice to come here and talk about a semi-final and not talk about points and relegation.

“Let’s try to enjoy this one and go on and do something important for the club.”

Former Manchester City midfielder Adam Johnson, however, believes United’s current difficulties could open the door for the Black Cats to snatch a foothold in the tie.

He said: “Hopefully we can try to catch them when it is probably the most difficult time they have had in 15 years.”

John O’Shea is fit to line up against his former club.