League Cup is a trophy worth winning, says Ferguson

Lifting the League Cup for only the second time in their history will make this season a success for Manchester United, their manager Alex Ferguson reckons.

United have so far endured a disappointing campaign with early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup allied to an inability to seriously challenge champions Chelsea for the Premier League title.

Today's League Cup final against Wigan in Cardiff provides the Old Trafford club with the chance to win a first piece of silverware since the 2004 FA Cup and Ferguson insists that such an achievement in a competition he has previously shown little interest in, should not be under-estimated.

"There are only four trophies available every year," Ferguson said.

"And with the competition now generated in the Premier League and the money thrown at it, not just by United and Chelsea but by all clubs, there is a tremendous demand and pressure on all these clubs with great histories to deliver and win a trophy.

"With that kind of competition we face nowadays, winning one trophy is good, I'm telling you.

"No matter what it is, you have to take that as a successful season because there are teams who are not going to win a trophy this year - big clubs, maybe not as world-renowned as Manchester United, but certainly big, big clubs with great histories."

As well as winning the League Cup in 1992, United have lost in four finals of a competition that has slipped down the Old Trafford pecking order following the introduction of the Champions League group phase.

However, a change in format to allow clubs involved in Europe to enter the cup at an advanced stage has altered the approach now adopted by United and most other sides, who enter weakened teams then beef them up if they reach the semis.

Ferguson will lead United out as manager for his 12th English domestic cup final, while Wigan, competing this season at the top level of English football for the first time, are contesting their first major final.

Ferguson accepts that public support will be against his side.

He said: "We understand and it's quite right that Wigan are bringing a bit of romance to it with what they have achieved over the years and where they started from.

"Quite rightly the whole country will be behind them, and I think that's good."