"At the start of the season, people would say it is the lowest on our list of priorities but it is pretty high now," he said.
"I just feel this is a big chance. We are a growing team, with a lot of young players.
"This final presents a fantastic opportunity to win a medal for lads like Wayne Rooney and Kieran Richardson, who have not done it before. And I know what confidence medals can bring."
Spying a space in his own trophy cabinet he went on:
"I have been at United a long time and I am desperate to win the trophy," he said. "I want to win it, not because I am captain, but purely because I play for Manchester United and that is what is expected of us.
"We take a lot of criticism here. Sometimes, we do not seem to be able to do right for doing wrong, which is why we have to stick together. We know we are going in the right direction."
Wayne Rooney is also looking to land his first trophy as a professional in next month’s final.
"I signed for United to win trophies,"
"Hopefully I can get the first one next month. To win anything would mean a great deal. I just want to get my hands on my first trophy."