Tomorrow's FA Cup tie between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's may bring back memories of their most recent meeting, when United's 2-1 victory in the final game of the 2004-05 season sealed the relegation of Harry Redknapp's team. Southampton still live with the consequences - falling crowds and share values, player sales and a position in the relegation zone of the Coca-Cola Championship with a team of promising but inexperienced youngsters.

So television viewers expecting a repeat of the 1976 final, won by Bobby Stokes for Southampton, who were then also in the second tier, are likely to be disappointed. The legendary magic of the Cup will have to work overtime to inspire a team that has not won in eight games and has taken three points only once at home all season. A vicious circle of inexperience, errors and lack of confidence has undermined promising performances, as Jan Poortvliet, the head coach, admits.

Poortvliet, 53, the former Holland defender who played in the 1978 World Cup final against Argentina, was an unexpected choice to succeed Nigel Pearson, the tenth person in charge of the team in as many seasons. His unique selling point was a record of succeeding on limited funds.

“We have played good football, with passion,” he said. “We've had chances but not taken them, and that's a big part of our season, but in general, when I look in the mirror I'm proud. Normally you have one or two young players in a squad, but we have to do it all at once. We're so close to winning games. I believe this team is capable of beating any team in our division.”

Results would seem to prove otherwise and his task will become even more difficult if, as anticipated, the club's financial problems mean that Andrew Surman and Adam Lallana follow Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and Chris Baird to the Barclays Premier League this month. At least tomorrow's match will provide a relief from the pressures of the relegation zone.

“Money is in the head of all players, but you should talk about titles, challenges, what you want out of life - to come through an FA Cup tie against Manchester United,” Poortvliet said. “Football has to be about that and the money will follow.” Southampton's cash-strapped owners certainly hope so.