Manchester United vs West Ham United: Matteo Darmian 'happy' at Old Trafford ahead of clash with former teammate

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has admitted that he is very happy to be playing for the Old Trafford club ahead of the Red Devils' FA Cup quarter-final clash against West Ham United on Sunday (13 March). The Italian defender has stressed the importance of the competition and is keen on going all the way in the tournament.

The FA Cup is the Red Devils' best hope for silverware this season following their first-leg loss to Liverpool in the last 16 of the Europa League, and with a place in the top four also looking doubtful, the pressure on Louis van Gaal is mounting. The Italy international is also looking forward to going up against his former teammate and friend Angelo Ogbonna, who is likely to start for the Hammers.

The 20-time English champions are facing one of their rivals for a place in the top four, and they will be aware that a win for either team will be a big confidence boost going into the rest of the season.

"We know the FA Cup is an important trophy for us. We want to win it. We have to do better and win the game, that's the most important thing. Yes a win would give us the confidence to look forward. We are focused on that – we want to play against West Ham and win," Darmian told United' official site.

"It would be fantastic. I think for us it's a great chance to win an important trophy. That is our focus. Every game is difficult, but we are Manchester United and we have to win as many games as possible. That is what we are trying to do and hopefully we can get the victory on Sunday."

"Yes, he is my friend [Ogbonna]. I played with him at Torino so off the pitch we are friends but on the pitch we are rivals! It was nice to see Angelo and he has told me he is very happy to play for West Ham, just like I am very happy to be at United," the Italian defender added.