Louis van Gaal: Wayne Rooney can inspire Man United to FA Cup glory

United take on old foes Arsenal on Monday for a place in the semi-finals at Wembley and will hope to get past the Gunners as Van Gaal bids to win a trophy during his first season in charge at Old Trafford.

Rooney is yet to win the FA Cup, having lost to Arsenal in 2005 and Chelsea in 2007, and United have failed to even reach the final since the showpiece event was first staged back at the new Wembley in 2007.

United and Arsenal both go into the clash bidding for their 12th FA Cup trophy, and Van Gaal believes his captain’s desire will help inspire the team in the clash against the Gunners.

"I don't know how Rooney will motivate the dressing room but I think he shall do that because he is very motivated as a captain and a player," Van Gaal said. "He wants to win a title, he has not won the FA Cup and that is something that is missing.

"My first championship with Ajax was very important for me. It was also an emotional thing and you have seen how he was motivated in the last minute of the game against Newcastle. You saw him running and pressing for a lost ball [leading to their late winner] and that was fantastic.

"Every human being has his own identity and character and this is Wayne's character. He has also picked up red cards because of that character, but against Newcastle it was fantastic.

"We've shown a lot of times we have been coming back in the last minute, even when we are behind. At Newcastle we scored out of nothing because the ball was already lost, but because of Wayne's spirit he made it very difficult for his opponent.

"We've shown a fantastic fight and I'm very proud of our players."

Rooney also spoke of his unwanted record in the FA Cup and how he dreams of lifting the trophy of what is the most prestigious domestic cup competition in world football.

"It's the start of a big two or three weeks for us, but we've done okay in the big games this year, although we could do better," Rooney said. "It's exciting for us. These big games here, you want to be part of them. The FA Cup quarterfinal is massive for us.

"We haven't been to a cup final for a few years and we want to try and win the competition, so I'm looking forward to that.

"The FA Cup is a massive trophy. It's a trophy I've grown up as a youngster watching. I was fortunate enough to see Everton win the FA Cup in 1995. I was nine years old.

"It's something I'd love to do and hopefully it'll be this year."