Rooting for the underdogs: Van Gaal tells United the world is against them

The Red Devils will face a lower-division team in the FA Cup for the third time in a row

PRESTON:

Louis van Gaal has loved every minute of Manchester United’s FA Cup run this season even though he feels the ‘world has been against them’.

Van Gaal’s side travel to third tier Preston North End in the fifth round on Monday to make it a hat-trick of away ties against teams outside of English football’s top two divisions.

United defeated third tier Yeovil Town in the third round before they required a replay at Old Trafford to beat fourth tier Cambridge United in the fourth round.

And even though he knows the wider football world will be once again willing the lower league side to cause a huge upset, United manager Van Gaal is still relishing the chance to be part of a classic underdogs against giants Cup story at Deepdale.



“It is a fantastic competition,” said Van Gaal. “I have already described that we have to play for the third time a lower team, and you know the world is against you, the environment is against you because everyone is with the underdog.

“It is more difficult to accept but it’s like that. However, the chance that you can survive is higher because you are playing against lower qualities.”

This will be their first meeting with Preston since an FA Cup fourth-round tie against their fellow Lancashire club at Deepdale in February 1972.

On that occasion a United team featuring George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law won 2-0 thanks to a brace from the less heralded Alan Gowling.

Meanwhile, Preston manager Simon Grayson has urged his players to embrace the challenge of facing United’s stellar names.

North End, who are fourth in League One, have won their last three matches in all competitions and Grayson wants his team to do themselves justice against the 11-times FA Cup winners.

“Our players, no disrespect to them, but they might never get another opportunity to play against the likes of Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie,” said Grayson.

“It’s got to inspire them. You’ve got to go into a game like this and enjoy it. And they need to wake up in the morning after knowing they’ve done themselves justice.”

Liverpool clicking into gear, says Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers claimed Liverpool are hitting top gear at the right time as they booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Liverpool have now lost just once from their last 16 games in all competitions. The Merseysiders are making a charge for a Champions League return in the Premier League.

Rodgers’ side are still in the hunt for silverware in the Europa League and now they are three victories away from ensuring Steven Gerrard signs off with an FA Cup winners’ medal.

Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana helped Liverpool earn the comeback 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

“The last time we came here in the league earlier this season we lost and it was a low one. It was the making of the team really. And the players’ character has been tremendous.

“It’s been incredible since, really. Hopefully it will continue now until the end of the season.”

In other fixtures, Reading also booked a sixth-round berth with a 2-1 win at fellow Championship side Derby County, while Championship side Blackburn surprised Stoke with a 4-1 win.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th,  2015.

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