Deepdale

By Chris O'Brien
February 14 2015

Manchester United meet Preston North End for the first time in over four decades as the Red Devils aim to reach the quarter-finals of the world's greatest cup competition on Monday evening. 

The last five meetings between the two sides have been in the Cup, the last of which came in 1972. Alan Gowling bagged a brace in a 2-0 win for Frank O'Farrell’s men.

PNE are enjoying a promising League One campaign, currently occupying a play-off spot and sitting only four points behind an automatic promotion berth. However, their attentions turn to the FA Cup this weekend, in a game which Lilywhites boss Simon Grayson says his team have "nothing to lose and everything to gain".

Grayson has FA Cup giantkilling previous against United, having led third-flight Leeds to victory at Old Trafford in 2010. Jermaine Beckford was on target that day – and is now at PNE too, but is a doubt with an ear infection.

Certainly, Louis van Gaal should be warned against complacency against the high-flying League One outfit, having already suffered humiliation against MK Dons in the League Cup earlier in the season.

United’s Dutch boss is anticipated to make changes to his line-up – with one question whether Victor Valdes could make his debut between the sticks, or whether the in-form David de Gea will be retained.

Ander Herrera has not featured as much as he would have liked this season – and will be desperate to get the chance to impress in midfield. Meanwhile, a strike partnership of the hugely promising James Wilson and eager-to-star Radamel Falcao could be of great benefit to both players.

Despite a series of ropey performances, United have – amazingly – lost only once in 18 matches. With European football off the table, and League Cup hopes long extinguished, the FA Cup must be a central focus for United this season. Monday’s clash - 43 years on from the last meeting – is one van Gaal’s men cannot afford to lose.