Manchester United are looking to advance in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon and could end up meeting a former Old Trafford talent in the quarter finals.
Premier League action takes a back seat for Manchester United on Sunday as Ruben Amorim focuses on the FA Cup.
A place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs and United take on Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
United knocked Arsenal out in the third round, winning on penalties at the Emirates Stadium.
A dramatic late win over Leicester City booked United’s place in the fifth round with Fulham the opponents.
United won the FA Cup last season and Amorim will be looking to follow in Erik ten Hag’s footsteps with success in the competition this season.
Former Manchester United talent scores ‘incredible’ FA Cup goal
United’s clash with Fulham is one of three FA Cup ties still to be played in this round.
Newcastle United host Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday whilst Ipswich Town travel to take on Nottingham Forest on Monday night.
Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Manchester City are already through, so it’s almost an entire Premier League-filled last eight.
There is one exception though – Preston North End.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side demolished rivals Burnley 3-0 on Saturday afternoon to book a place in the quarter-finals.
PNE have not reached this stage of the competition for nearly 60 years but dominated against the Clarets.
The opening goal was scored by a former United talent with Robbie Brady whipping home an inch-perfect free kick.
Brady joined United from St. Kevin’s Boys back in 2008 having emerged as a top talent in his native Ireland.
Brady made just one first-team appearance for United, coming on to replace Alexander Buttner in a League Cup tie back in 2012.
Come the summer of 2013, Brady was sold to Hull City after two successful loan spells, and he became a Premier League regular with the Tigers, Norwich City and Burnley.
Now 33, Brady showed that his wand of a left foot is still a major threat as he curled home a stunning free-kick to open the scoring.
The official FA Cup X account branded Brady’s free-kick ‘incredible’ as he gave goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky absolutely no chance.
Another former United talent finished the tie off as Will Keane scored from close range.
United could meet both Brady and Keane in the next round but need to get past Fulham before any potential clash with the Championship side.
What happened the last time Manchester United played Preston North End
A clash with PNE would be a fascinating one if United can get through with some high-profile names turning out for both teams over the years.
David Beckham, Nobby Stiles and Sir Bobby Charlton spring to mind whilst loans from Old Trafford to Deepdale have been rife.
Alvaro Fernandez joined PNE from United in 2022 before going on to shine with Benfica whilst Sam Johnstone, Danny Welbeck, Josh King, Ritchie De Laet and Matty James all made the move too.
The last meeting between the two sides came in 2015 with North End hosting United in an FA Cup tie.
Scott Laird fired PNE in front, but United scored three times in 23 minutes to win the game as Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney all found the net.
That was a tricky night for Louis van Gaal and if Amorim ends up facing PNE, it may well be a similarly awkward evening with North End enjoying a real cup run.
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