Is the FA Cup exit a bonus for Manchester United?

Arsene Wenger seems determined that the FA Cup is detrimental to his side; firstly he widely reported his desire to field another youthful team in the competition. And then when the kids do him proud (again) he is quick to spot a glass that is half full. Manchester United's exit is surely a great moment as it leaves one less serious competitor for a competition that has been won dominated by just five clubs since Wimbledon beat Liverpool in 1989 - the exceptions being Everton (1995) and Portsmouth (2008). So one of the four competitors to Arsenal's ambition for this cup is out, great news Arsene?

"Manchester United won't gain a great advantage in the Premier League, it is more with the Champions League that the FA Cup is conflicting. The fifth round is just before a Champions League game and before that we play a lot in midweek. But at the moment, I don't think Manchester United have gained an advantage in the title race."

Is the only consideration after an FA Cup round just how (in)convenient future rounds might be for the bigger clubs? This seems a sad reflection on an exciting tournament, but given the attendances at some grounds (for example 5,335 at Wigan for an all Premier League tie with Hull, 12,474 for Boro vs Man City, 11,214 for Pompey vs Coventry) there is an argument that the FA Cup is now as devalued in England as it is in Spain or Italy.

But I'm not so sure. There have always been shocks in the FA Cup, Wrexham beating league champions Arsenal in 1992, Shrewsbury beating Everton in 2003, Hereford beating Newcastle in 1972, Bournemouth beating Man United in 1984 or even Barnsley beating Liverpool and Chelsea last season. If the clubs didn't want to win the tournament they wouldn't enter it and if attendances dip below break even levels perhaps they won't. Perhaps that will be the acid test for the tournament whether clubs still enter teams if it is financially damaging?

But is it all about money? Is there no glory in winning a trophy?

Man United can take positives out of defeat; a timely opportunity to knock any complacency out of the squad before the League Cup semi-final and perhaps a nudge to the owners that some money needs to be released for transfers are two positives.

A reduction in fixture congestion is not a positive, as a defeat is not a bonus in any competition.

Arsenal played a weakened side in the FA Cup against Man United a couple of seasons ago, lost the game, which then impacted onto the Champions' League and contributed to another defeat and the momentum that could have swept them to the title was lost.

No, a rotten performance and defeat to Leeds in the FA Cup was a bad day at the office but added to the lack of transfer funds (regardless of the denials from United) and the loss of the Ronaldo x-factor means that United fans are left wondering whether this is the start of something worse than a blip. Time will tell, but there is little doubt in my mind that Sir Alex Ferguson desperately wanted to beat Leeds and would gladly swap the fixture congestion for improved momentum that was building after the 5-0 win over Wigan.

*Was the defeat just a blip or do United need fresh blood to invigorate the team? Let us know!