ONE thing that became clear from speaking to Michael Appleton was that winning football matches is highest on his list of priorities.

Despite taking on a former side of his for the second week running, United’s head coach has his eyes set firmly on one thing – progression in the Emirates FA Cup.

The same was true about last week’s victory in Sky Bet League Two over Portsmouth, whom he previously managed for a year.

And after beating Pompey, it is business as usual for Appleton who is now preparing his side for the visit of Sky Bet Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers – a club he spent just 67 days at in 2013.

“It is very different to the Pompey situation last week,” said Appleton.

“I think because of the relationship I had with the fans there – and certainly the staff – it did feel like I was at the place for a lot longer than a year due to everything that went on."

The short spell at Ewood Park has been well documented, especially as it followed a similarly short two-month period as Blackpool manager.

Rovers’ global adviser at the time, Shebby Singh, who had previously sacked Henning Berg as manager after just 57 days, dismissed Appleton following a draw with Burnley, which left him without a win in eight matches.

But there was a particular highlight for the 40-year-old during his stay at Blackburn as it included an FA Cup victory over Arsenal.

It means United’s head coach is the last man to beat Arsene Wenger in the competition, with the North London side on for a hat-trick this season.

And despite all that went on at the Lancashire club, Appleton is not concerning himself with who the U’s are facing in the fourth round, but just the simple matter of ensuring the club make the last 16 for the first time in 22 years.

He said: “With Blackburn it was, very publicly, 67 days, where I never felt I had the opportunity to stamp my authority on the football club or get across my philosophies and ideas.

“I’m disappointed how it ended but it is very much for me about the excitement of possibly getting into the last 16 of the FA Cup rather than beating Blackburn.”

United have had a knack of delivering on the big stage this season, with home victories over Swindon Town, Exeter City and Swansea City as well as last week’s win at Pompey in front of bumper crowds.

With tomorrow’s match once again a sell-out, Appleton is only asking for one thing – his team make the most of the occasion.

“The players are more than capable of playing to the standards they are going to need to win the game,” he said.

“I think we have already shown that in some of the games this season when we have played higher opposition.

“The fact it is a sell-out gives us an even better opportunity to repeat that.

“The players love it when the place is packed.

"You can tell that from the games we have had recently.

"The more supporters that come through the gate long may it continue because we have got some very important league games coming up.”