Gus Poyet has told his players to remain positive and enjoy the ride amid Sunderland's heavily-packed cup schedule.
The Black Cats advanced from the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday thanks to a 3-1 win over League One side Carlisle United at the Stadium of Light, but now turn their attention to the first leg of their League Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United on Tuesday night.
"When I was a player, I wanted to play," Poyet told the media. "I hated to train and the fitness coach making me run and run. I wanted to play games.
"If it was three days [between games], it would be perfection; if it's two days it's a little bit risky.
"Today we gave a rest to a few players who will be fresh on Tuesday and will have no excuses to perform against Manchester United."
Sunderland currently sit bottom of the Premier League table.
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