FA Cup: Manchester United cash makes Cambridge United 'safe'

The funds from two FA Cup matches against Manchester United will preserve the future of Cambridge United, says their manager Richard Money.

The U's held United to a 0-0 draw in the fourth round 12 days ago, but lost 3-0 in Tuesday's replay - a game worth more than £1m to the League Two side.

"The financial reward means the club is safe and stable," said Money.

"It has a chance to really grow as a football club - I think that is the big thing to come from the tie."

The FA Cup ties were profitable for Cambridge midfielder Tom Champion - he picked up Michael Carrick's shirt from the first game, before collecting Wayne Rooney's at Old Trafford

The U's almost went out of business in 2005 over an unpaid tax bill, and since then have struggled off the pitch and on it.

The club has just about managed to survive, with directors having to cover players' wages two years ago, and ended a nine-year spell in the Conference by winning promotion in May.

Money's side were praised for holding Louis van Gaal's Premier League side to a goalless draw at the Abbey Stadium, and they were not embarrassed at Old Trafford, where they played in front of 74,511 people - the largest crowd in the club's history.

"The money certainly doesn't mean we're going to do anything different to what we've done," Money told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"It might enable us to strengthen the squad quicker than we thought. But we certainly won't be doing anything silly.

"I don't sense that anybody will be leaving in the summer. Obviously there is talk about one or two, but I've spoken to those players and they are very happy here.

"They want to take us to the next level and I guess the question is can we get there quick enough so that they stay?"

Cambridge players applauded the 6,600 travelling supporters who saw their side lose 3-0 at Old Trafford