Manchester United face serious threat to FA Cup defence, third round tie throws up one of the most difficult ties possible

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Manchester United’s opponents for the FA Cup third round have been drawn.

What you want in the FA Cup third round is a comfortable fixture against a lower league team, preferably at home.

It gives managers the chance to rotate some players after a busy festive period, and ease into the next round.

Manchester United have landed exactly the opposite, after the third round draw pitched the Red Devils up against one of the toughest opponents possible, away from home.

Manchester United away to Arsenal

Manchester United have been drawn away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round, a tie currently scheduled for January 11, that could be shifted for TV.

It is a tough test for United as Ruben Amorim begins defence of the trophy Erik ten Hag won in 2024, beating Manchester City in the final.

Ten Hag’s United had an easier third round draw, facing League One side Wigan Athletic away from home, before a tie against League Two side Newport County in the fourth round.

That good luck has evaporated this year, with United facing Arsenal in the FA Cup at The Emirates.

United face the Gunners there this week in a preview of the tie, in the Premier League – but have a very poor record at the stadium.

Perhaps there is a good omen. The last time United faced Arsenal in the FA Cup at The Emirates, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side won 2-1 in the fourth round in 2019.

No replays

Replays in the FA Cup third round have been scrapped from 2024/25. It means United must win at Arsenal on the night.

The good news is if United can get through, one of the strong competitors to win the trophy will be eliminated.

Tough start to 2025

2025 presents a difficult start for Ruben Amorim, with the Red Devils’ first match of the New Year away to Liverpool on January 5.

United will now follow that up away at Arsenal the following weekend. It’s not a kind start to 2025.

The good news? United then host Southampton at Old Trafford, before home matches against Brighton and Rangers in the Europa League.

There may then be a fourth round FA Cup match to slot in, if United can pull off a victory at The Emirates.