Manchester United: Henderson, Williams, Bailly, Tuanzebe, Telles, van de Beek, McTominay, Mata, James, Lingard, Greenwood.
Subs: De Gea, Maguire, Wan-Bissake, Fernandes, Fred, Matic, Ighalo, Martial, Rashford.
Watford: Bachmann, Navarro, Sierralta, Troost-Ekong, Masina, Sarr, Chalobah, Hughes, Zinckernagel, Pedro, Gray.
Subs: Foster, Ngakia, Wilmot, Sema, Dalby, Barrett, Hungbo, Crichlow, Phillips.
“I don’t believe in underdogs. At least not in the Cup. You respect the opposition, but it is a terrible trap to be overawed by them. The players must believe they have as much right to be on the field as anybody. Once they do, it’s just 11 men against 11.” The legendary Watford manager Graham Taylor there, in January 1982, after his promotion-bound Second Division side beat First Division title-chasing giants Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup.
Their 1-0 victory came courtesy of a first-half Jan Lohman goal. The 18-year-old John Barnes man-marked an uncharacteristically ineffective Bryan Robson out of the game. Lou Macari had a header cleared off the line, and Garry Birtles had a couple of raspers saved by Steve Sherwood, but otherwise it was all Watford. “No complaints,” shrugged Ron Atkinson. “They were better than us in every department.” Watching on was Hornets chairman Elton John. “It was one of my greatest moments,” said the composer of Rocket Man, Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. “Tremendous cup tie.”
That’s the only time Watford have beaten United in the cup, though. On the other four occasions - 1950, 1969, 1970 and the 2007 semi - the Red Devils have made off with the spoils. It’s one of a few reasons why Xisco Munoz’s Championship side will need to take on board all those things Taylor said 39 years ago. Others include Watford’s failure to win at Old Trafford since 1978, losing on their last nine visits, and the fact United have won 33 of their last 35 third-round ties.
Watford are looking good for a promotion push again, just like the boys of ‘82, while United are in the title hunt once more, just like ... yep, the more things change, huh. But that one was at Vicarage Road, and so Xisco’s kids have it all to do if they’re to create a seismic shock this evening. Kick off is at 8pm GMT. It’s on!
from Football | The Guardian https://ift.tt/3nxY5kW
via IFTTT
No Comment