United look for cup revenge

Manchester United will be out for revenge when they take on cross-city rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup third round next month.

It will be the first time the two sides have met since FA Cup holders Manchester City stunned Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford in the league in October. Sir Alex Ferguson and his side will be out to right the wrongs of that incredible afternoon in Manchester.

The Manchester giants have recent history in the cup, after City dumped United out of the competition at the semi-final stage last season. Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the game as Roberto Mancini’s men booked their place in the Wembley showpiece. They beat Stoke City 1-0 in the final to lift the famous old trophy for the first time since 1969. Those placing FA Cup bets will be wondering if they can do it again.

For United, it is the third year in a row they have come up against one of their fiercest rivals at the third round stage – having taken on Leeds United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

The FA Cup clash has taken on added importance after the two clubs exited Europe’s premier competition at the group stage. United’s shock defeat in Basel saw them crash out of the Champions League group stage for only the third time in 17 years, while City fell at the first hurdle at the first time of asking.

Managers always try to underplay the revenge factor, but it must be at the forefront of the players’ minds going into a game like this. The Manchester United players will be out to prove the league result was a flash in the pan and they are still the kings of Manchester. It promises to be an enthralling cup tie.

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