Mikael Silvestre has conceded that even if
Manchester United win the FA Cup it will not salvage a disappointing season for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
The French defender, who has lost his place in the starting line-up in recent games, admits that United - now facing a third-placed finish in the Premiership for the second year running - have not been good enough.
Silvestre told the club's official website: "We cannot underestimate the value of the FA Cup.
"It is a great trophy to win and I am sure
Arsenal think the same. But I don't think it will salvage our season, it is just something we have to win.
"It is not good enough for United. People are not used to being in this position in the last 10-15 years. It is disappointing for everybody here.
"I don't know if we can finish second. First we have to win all our games.
"Maybe if
Arsenal drop some points we have a chance. The main thing just now is to reach a level of consistency by winning games.
"It is difficult to explain why we have scored so few goals. Sometimes we haven't scored early in games and then we have found it difficult to create chances.
"Hopefully we will get that winning mentality back pretty soon."
Silvestre admits that it has been a personal blow to be dropped from the side with the FA Cup final less than a month away.
He added: "For me personally it has been disappointing to be on the bench.
"As a player you want to play all the games. Obviously I have not had the same sharpness recently.
"I have played a lot of games this season and the boss has decided to rest me, so I have to wait and make sure I am ready for the next occasion."
