Manchester United prepare to take on Cambridge United this evening in the FA Cup and they won’t want any setbacks in their quest for silverware.
Louis van Gaal’s side are not in the Champions League this season which means they are preparing to take the FA Cup seriously with their last trophy in this competition coming over a decade ago.
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That year they had the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes but now they will be relying on Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie to produce the goods. United progressed into the fourth round when they beat Yeovil Town 2-0 but they struggled away at Cambridge in the first tie at Abbey Park – which saw a dull 0-0 draw. Star performers such as Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Michael Carrick all started but the Red Devils were still unable to break down Richard Money’s determined men.
However, with United playing at home and having a strong record of defeating sides at Old Trafford this season, Van Gaal will be expecting no different when they aim to secure a fifth-round fixture against Sheffield United or Preston North End.
With the Red Devils’ next league fixture coming against West Ham United on Sunday, the Dutchman will be able to select a reasonably strong side to ensure no shocks occur at the Theatre of Dreams.
GK – Victor Valdes
The Spaniard was expected to get the nod in the first tie but that wasn’t the case with David De Gea keeping his spot. However, Valdes made his first appearance for the Under-21 side last week and it seems like that was preparation for his first-team bow which could occur tomorrow night.
De Gea has been in the spotlight recently a deserved rest should make him fresh for the trip to Upton Park on Sunday.
RB – Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian has been solid this season and nothing should change against the League Two side. He adds strength to the side but his ability to attack will give United a different dimension should the game take a while to get going.
CB – Patrick McNair
The youngster has been in-and-out of the side this season but could make another Cup appearance tomorrow night. At only 19 years of age he has time to develop and tomorrow could be another step in the right direction for the Northern Ireland international. He played in the third-round tie at Yeovil.
CB – Marcos Rojo
So far this season the Argentine has been the most solid player in terms of defending. He only signed from Sporting Lisbon this year but he seems like the most commanding player in the United side. Van Gaal likes versatility and the 24 year-old offers that with his ability to play left-back. However, he has another chance to cement his place in the side ahead of a busy second season.
LB – Daley Blind
Blind could switch back to his wing-back role with the freedom to get forward and join in attacks. He was in the side as a midfielder against Leicester City on Saturday but he will now allow the likes of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini to start with both players looking for game time.
RM – Ander Herrera
The Spaniard has struggled to break into the starting XI and fans are getting concerned. Herrera had a bright start to the season with his box-to-box ability and technicality being admired by the crowd. However, Van Gaal seems to have gone off the boil with the 25 year-old in the last two months. It could be another Shinji Kagawa situation on the horizon.
CM – Marouane Fellaini
Needing that physical presence has made Van Gaal a fan of Fellaini. The former Everton midfielder has a future at Old Trafford but that may be as a squad player. He hasn’t started in the league for a while but will get another cup run out.
LM – Adnan Januzaj
Started against the Foxes on Saturday and impressed. He is the type of player that needs a run in the side and he should get that now if he impresses again tonight.
CAM – Juan Mata
Surprisingly left out against Leicester but it was the right decision with the 3-1 scoreline ensuring the Red Devils took all three points. Fresh legs will be needed against Money’s side and his creativeness could make this an easy victory for the Red Devils.
ST – James Wilson
A star for the future and right now doing everything he can to get a start in the side. He has partnered Radamel Falcao in his last few games but with the Colombian expected to receive a rest the 19 year-old could line up with Van Persie.
ST – Robin van Persie
Taken off after 65 minutes on the weekend means he should be kept in the starting XI by Van Gaal. Falcao has played a number of games lately and he deserves a rest as the Dutch international looks to get back to his best after a turbulent season.