As the world’s oldest cup competition resumes this Saturday, Manchester United will continue their journey on Friday – with a trip to Yeovil on the cards to face League Two’s Yeovil Town.
Yeovil are struggling in their league. With no wins since boxing day, they are languishing in the relegation zone but Manchester United’s second visit in three years will be no less special for the club – not least a money-spinning venture they could reap the rewards from. The Red Devils won 2-0 the last time they travelled to Huish Park – but manager Darren Way is upbeat about Saturday’s encounter citing the opportunity that lies ahead for his side to make history. He said,
“Sometimes people don’t dream big enough. We have worked extremely hard against all odds to get this opportunity. What I don’t want my players to do is waste it. If we get a result this will be the biggest story ever in Yeovil’s history.”
For United, the morale within the camp cannot be higher. Fresh from confirming the signing of Alexis Sanchez, Manchester United poured cold water on the uncertainty surrounding Mourinho’s contract – by announcing the extension nice and early ahead of what is going to be a crucial couple of months for the club. On the pitch, they have settled down into a rhythm of winning games without conceding a goal and are aiming for a fifth consecutive win in all competitions in their second of three away games on the trot.
Team NewsÂ
Alexis Sanchez could make his eagerly anticipated debut for United after the Chilean forward completed his move from Arsenal on Monday, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction. The boss confirmed the new no.7 will be involved and he will field a “strong team” but rest “a couple of players”.
The home side will be without former United trainee and boyhood fan Otis Khan, who will undoubtedly be disappointed to miss out as he starts a five-game ban after being sent off in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at home to relegation rivals Chesterfield.
Interesting NumbersÂ
- Jose Mourinho will take charge of his 100th match in all competitions as the club’s manager on the occasion of his 55th birthday.
- Ander Herrera could make his 150th appearance for United in all competitions on Friday.
- Manchester United have won all three previous meetings with the Glovers scoring 13 goals without conceding in the process.
Key MenÂ
Francois Zoko – Yeovil Town
The focal point of Yeovil’s attack, forward Francois Zoko always carries a threat and can cause problems for any defence.
The Ivorian, who made his 100th appearance for the club earlier this month has scored 10 goals and registered three assists in all competitions this term – including an extra-time winner in their FA Cup second-round replay victory over Port Vale.
Marcus Rashford – Manchester UnitedÂ
Rashford has had a mixed season so far – scoring or assisting 9 goals in 13 starts in the Premier League. The 20-year old has also bagged 3 more in the Champions League in 2 starts and has been managed well by Mourinho, in general. Far from the finished article, Rashford still has a lot of room for improvement, particularly when it comes to finishing off big chances – one-v-one situations when he often comes second best to the goalkeeper.
The 20-year old, on the back of being rested in the last few games – is expected to start on Saturday and will hence prove crucial to the visitors if they were progress to the fifth round – for the fifth in six seasons.
PredictionÂ
Yeovil Town 0 – 3 Manchester UnitedÂ
