Van Gaal Eyes Run In The FA Cup

Louis van Gaal is eager for Manchester United to avoid a repeat of this season's Capital One Cup disappointment and clinch victory over Yeovil Town on Sunday when the Reds kick off the FA Cup campaign.

Early into the Dutchman’s reign, a much-changed Reds side was fielded on a tough August evening at Milton Keynes Dons, when Karl Robinson’s outfit ensured the visitors exited the competition thanks to doubles from Will Grigg and Benik Afobe that condemned van Gaal’s men to a 4-0 defeat.

With fortunes since taking a positive turn at Old Trafford, United travel to Huish Park for the FA Cup third-round tie a much more fearsome proposition this weekend. Despite the Reds’ rise to third in the Barclays Premier League, the boss is still anticipating Sunday's task to be similar to that posed by the Dons – and it's one he is aiming to overcome this time.

Van Gaal told MUTV: "I had the same experience against MK Dons, who are also in League One. You never know in a cup match, you have to win because you're out if you lose. We have to beat Yeovil but every team in England wants to beat Manchester United so it will be difficult.

“Everything about playing a lower league team will be different - the pitch, the stadium. For the players, it's more difficult to prepare for a match like this, especially after playing so much over Christmas."