Van Gaal dreams of Wembley after replay stroll

United prevail 3-0 in Tuesday's replay against fourth-tier Cambridge at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER: FA Cup

Van Gaal dreams of Wembley triumph after 1-0 win

United are favourites to end an 11-year wait for the coveted title

Manchester

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reiterated his determination to win a trophy in his debut season after his side beat Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth round.

United prevailed 3-0 in Tuesday's replay against fourth-tier Cambridge at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and James Wilson, setting up a fifth-round trip to third-tier Preston North End.

With rivals such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur having exited the competition at this stage, United are now favourites to end an 11-year wait to lift the world's most famous domestic cup competition.

But Van Gaal admits the visit to Deepdale in two weeks will be testing, especially after Preston's impressive 3-1 replay victory away at cup specialists Sheffield United.

"Every club in the FA Cup wants to win; we also," said Van Gaal. "We have to beat Preston and that will not be easy. They won away against a cup fighter like Sheffield United, so it will be difficult for us to win in Preston North End.

"I heard from [assistant manager] Giggs that Sheffield United are very good cup fighters and Preston beat them 3-1. So Preston is not a piece of cake."

Reflecting on his side's performance against a team who is currently 79 places below United in the English league system, the Dutchman added, "I don't think we played a very good match. But it is always difficult against a defensive team. We could have done better, but I am pleased with the result.”

Cambridge might have taken a sensational lead, with forward Tom Elliott missing a glorious one-on-one opening by hitting a post inside the first minute before Mata and Rojo gave United a two-goal half-time advantage.

Although he failed to get his name on the scoresheet, Belgian international Marouane Fellaini impressed in a role as a striker alongside Robin van Persie, playing a part in the two first-half goals.

"Now with Fellaini, we have always also an attacking player through the air," said Van Gaal.

"We could also score through the air, not only along the floor, and that was our game plan and he has confirmed it again.”

 

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.