Rio Ferdinand believes that victory in the Carabao Cup and a first trophy under Erik ten Hag will justify the Dutchman's work since arriving in the summer.
Manchester United face Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday in a bid to claim their first piece of silverware since 2017. The trip to London presents the end of a potentially season-defining February in which the Reds will have played eight times across four different competitions, including a European double-header against Barcelona.
The month has so far passed without defeat as United continue to cement their place in the top four. But upon being announced as the new manager last year, Ten Hag vowed to bring trophies back to M16 once again, and it is Sunday's fixture that presents his first chance to deliver.
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Carabao Cup glory at the first time of asking would provide proof that the Dutchman's methods are working, and Ferdinand believes a desperation to bring trophies to Old Trafford will push his former side through.
"Big week, could be a season-defining week,” Ferdinand told FIVE. “I Think we’ll win. Pope being out is a massive plus for Man United. It was huge.
“I think there is a desperation within the walls at Carrington and Old Trafford to win and to get the trophy because this will signify and point in the right direction for the manager that what he's trying to implement is right.
“It justifies what he's putting into this team on the training pitch and the culture.”
While the whole month has been packed with massive games, this week presents a chance for it all to come together. Starting on Sunday, the Reds made a statement in the league, and they now have the opportunity to progress past one of the continent's in-form sides before bringing silverware to Manchester - a week Ferdiand believes will go perfectly.
"We won against Leicester, we’ll beat Newcastle and I think we'll beat Barca as well."
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