Fergie not taking cup lightly

Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to beat Liverpool on Sunday after Manchester United's embarrassing FA Cup exit last season.

The United boss was forced to watch as his men suffered a humbling third round exit last season at the hands of bitter rivals Leeds United.

The defeat was the first time United were dismissed at the third round stage since the manager arrived at Old Trafford in 1986.

This season sees United encounter another rival in the early stages with Roy Hodgson'sLiverpool set to arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Ferguson is in no mood to make life easy for his managerial counterpart by picking a weakened side.

"It was a bad result last season against Leeds, especially considering the rivalry between the two clubs," Ferguson told Inside United.

"In hindsight I could have picked a stronger team. I won't be making that mistake this time."

Having rested a number of key players during Tuesday night's home win over Stoke, Ferguson has the luxury of fielding a strong side in cup action.

One player who will be hoping to feature is former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who was on target for Liverpool the last time they visited Old Trafford in the FA Cup in 1999.

United wound up 2-1 winners with late goals from Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham, despite the fact that Liverpool had led for 85 minutes.

"I don't forget Michael Owen's goal," remembers Ferguson.

"It was a header and Gary Neville was caught napping at the back post. But we battered them after that."

Above all the United boss is keen to get back to winning ways in a cup competition he has not won since 2004 when his side beat Millwall.

"It is an important trophy so there is a strong desire to get our hands on it," Ferguson added.

"We haven't won it since 2004, or been to Wembley in the final since we lost to Chelseain 2007.

"So we definitely want to get back there, and we want to win it."