Louis van Gaal admits it will be difficult to win the FA Cup with Manchester United this season but is still targeting a trophy for the club’s supporters.

The Dutchman has won a trophy in his first season at each of his previous clubs and is hoping to continue that record at Old Trafford.

His only hope now – with his side too far behind in the Premier League title race and out of the League Cup – is in the FA Cup.

United travel to League One side Preston North End on Monday and, ahead of the clash at Deepdale, Van Gaal says he is hoping to go on and lift the trophy.

“It’s always the same because you know the world is for the underdog and we have to play away under the same circumstances as at Cambridge or Yeovil, so it shall be very difficult,” said Van Gaal.

“You know that they play more or less with two rows of four and a striker who is dropping in, as did Cambridge and Yeovil and also the last [league] games, for example Queens Park Rangers and Burnley.

“It is always difficult to play against a defending team. It’s our goal to win and I hope to win one for the fans of Manchester United.

“It could be the FA Cup but it’s very easy to say that. It’s not so easy to reach the final and then win the final – that is difficult.”

Preston are priced at 6.59 to cause a cup upset while a draw is 3.89 and United are 1.49.