Van Gaal looks forward to Arsenal showdown

The Red Devils book place in FA Cup quarter-finals after beating Preston

PRESTON: Louis van Gaal says he is relishing the chance to face Arsenal at Old Trafford after Manchester United earned a showdown with the holders in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Goals from Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney booked United's place in the last eight with a 3-1 win at Preston North End in the fifth round on Monday.

The third tier team took the lead early in the second half through Scott Laird but Van Gaal's side ultimately proved too strong.

Their reward is a potentially classic home tie against Arsenal on the weekend of March 7 and 8 after three successive away ties against lower-league opponents.

"We have a draw at home, which is important in FA Cup matches," said Van Gaal. "I am pleased we can play against Arsenal and at home.

"Every game in the FA Cup is difficult to win because every team is giving everything.”

United and Arsenal have both won the FA Cup on 11 occasions, with their last meeting in the tournament won by United in the last eight in 2011.

Arsenal's most recent triumph came last season against Hull City, while United have not lifted the trophy since 2004.

Van Gaal admitted he feared for his side's place in this season's competition when Simon Grayson's men went ahead through Laird.

Van Gaal's response was to introduce Ashley Young and switch formation and it paid off.

"Of course, when we conceded a goal, we had to fight again for the victory," he said. "I have to give to all the credit to the players because they have done again everything and the spirit in the team is unbelievable."

After being relatively quiet in his role as a midfielder, Fellaini was moved further forward to partner Rooney in attack and the Belgian scored the visiting team's second goal with what van Gaal described as a "fantastic training goal".

Van Gaal said Fellaini offered United an alternative way of attacking when opponents became difficult to break down and he also revealed that Robin van Persie would be available to face Swansea in the Premier League on Saturday after the Dutch striker missed the match at Deepdale through injury.

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