Winning is everything: Cup victory will reignite title bid, says United striker Tevez

With United trailing their rivals by five points in the Barclays Premier League, Tevez admitted the champions face an uphill battle to retain their crown. But he insisted Arsene Wenger's squad — which is down to 14 fit outfield players — are brittle and that victory in the fifth-round tie may turn the season in United's favour.

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'If we win this match it would be hugely important for the title race,' said the Argentina striker.

'Psychologically, we have the opportunity to deliver a huge blow to our rivals. People say that the Premier League is one question and the Cup is another. I understand that but don't really agree.

'They are our rivals so any victory is important and that is why our squad is so concentrated ahead of this match.

'The FA Cup has a special feel and flavour but if we can win it would do much more for us than just give us a pass into the next round. This match is like a final to us in so many ways.

'I don't care if it is a good game because victory in this one is everything. A good game can wait until another day.'

United have not enjoyed a good month, losing vital ground in the title race with a draw at Tottenham and then last weekend's shock home defeat in the Manchester derby.

Wenger, meanwhile, has problems of his own as he faces up to the biggest injury crisis of his managerial career, claiming he has only 14 outfield players available today.

Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Alex Song, Robin van Persie, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Johan Djourou, Manuel Almunia and Denilson have already been ruled out.

They could be joined on the sidelines today by Emmanuel Adebayor, William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Gael Clichy.

Wenger, who has told his players there is no room for a replay in Arsenal's congested fixture schedule which next sees them play AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, said: 'It is a period when you don't want to lose players because these are decisive months. If you lose players now, they could be out for the rest of the season.

'We will fight, don't worry. We will dig deep because we want to win the game and we want to qualify. It is too soon to sacrifice a tournament.

'The best way to prepare for Milan is to qualify— not to draw. We're on a run and we want to keep it going. It is always difficult to measure the positives of the win and what's a deliberate sacrifice of a competition. I don't want to do that.

'Manchester United are a big club and they will want to respond to their two disappointments. It will be interesting.'

Wenger echoed Tevez's thoughts that a victory in the Cup would strike a psychological blow in the race for the Premier League.

'We want to show what we can do at Manchester United because we are going back there and we want to make an impact on what will happen later in the season,' he said.

'United are still in the title race because two games ago we were second. That shows you howit can change from one day to the next.

'In the Premier League, things can change very quickly. I expect them to play a full-strength side.'