Last Sunday, a flat United side was run ragged by Manchester City. But on Saturday in the fifth round of the English FA Cup, United was nothing like the team that capitulated to its crosstown rival.

A 4-0 thumping of Arsenal, its fiercest Premier League title challenger, was completed with verve and confidence.

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"The whole team can be very proud of themselves," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "It was a really fantastic performance and a great way to respond to last Sunday's defeat.

"I think they were all disappointed with themselves."

Not only did the onslaught seal a quarterfinal berth in the FA Cup, but handed United the psychological advantage as it attempts to reduce the Gunners' five-point advantage atop the league.

"I hope this result has an impact on the title race," Ferguson said. "When Arsenal come here in April they know they're in for a really good game.

"Who knows though - it's two months away and both clubs could be in different positions to now. But this result has certainly whetted our appetite for the league game."

Wayne Rooney is pleased that the depth of the squad was evident as Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves were rested with a midweek European Champions League match at Lyon looming.

"That keeps them fresh and could be key come the end of the season," Rooney said. "Last season we had to play all the players in every game."

Without Ronaldo and Tevez in support, Wayne Rooney might have been expected to cut a frustrated figure in a 4-5-1 formation.

Instead, the United striker provided evidence he can operate as a lone striker.

With good supply from midfield and the wings, Rooney - full of energy after being suspended for last week's dismal derby defeat - scored once and was a constant menace.

Now he hopes Man United will get Chelsea in Monday's draw as its quarterfinal opponent.

"I'd like to play them at home and try to knock them out," he said. "After that we'll be through to the semifinal and I'm sure we can take things from there."