Ashley Young trusts Manchester United's team spirit following FA Cup defeat

Ashley Young expects Manchester United to bounce back from its disappointing FA Cup defeat earlier this week, and points to the character of the players at the club, as well as the “fantastic” team spirit within the squad.

United were reduced to 10-men and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal on Monday night, but Young insists the team has now set it sights on finishing the Premier League season on a high-note.

“It was disappointing to go out of the FA Cup as we had a good chance to go through and go on and win it,” Young told MUTV. “[We have to show character now and, with the team spirit we’ve got, everyone is back on the training pitch and we’ll be going into Sunday’s game full of confidence, as we always are, and looking to get three points against at Old Trafford.”

United are preparing to face Tottenham in what will be the first in a succession of games which will determine the club’s Champions League qualification for next season. They are currently in fourth place in the Premier League with ten matches left to play.

Spurs could go level with United in the standings should the North London club win on Sunday, although they would still trail by goal difference.

However, Young – who has silenced his critics this year – insists he and his teammates are prepared for what will be a season-defining run-in.

“It’s back to business and hopefully we’ll be back on Sunday with our confidence sky-high again and looking to win,” the winger concluded. “This is where we’ll see the character of the squad as we’ve got fantastic team spirit at the club”

Programming note: Manchester United vs. Tottenham will be shown LIVE on Sunday starting at 12:00pm EST on NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra.