Van Gaal Looks Forward To Preston Trip

Louis van Gaal is eagerly anticipating Manchester United's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Preston North End after his team saw off Cambridge United 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Preston caused a shock by overcoming cup experts Sheffield United at Bramall Lane to set up a Monday 16 February date at Deepdale - United's first competitive fixture at the Lancashire ground since February 1972 when the Reds beat the Lilywhites 2-0 in the FA Cup.

Van Gaal's men are on the road for a third successive round against lower-league opposition and the boss is relishing the prospect of taking the club a step closer to Wembley.

"I think it's always difficult to beat a lower team and you cannot do it well," the manager explained to MUTV. "In spite of the 3-0 result tonight, you never do it well because everybody expects more so I am pleased we have to play against Preston North End now but also I know it shall be very difficult to beat them. Preston beat great cup fighters in Sheffield United. I have heard from Ryan [Giggs] they are very good fighters and Preston beat them 3-1 at home. So Preston will not be a piece of cake."

United are among the favourites to go all the way in the competition and van Gaal is in a bullish mood after disposing of Cambridge. "The FA Cup is a trophy and I'm living for trophies as a coach," he stated. "For me, personally, I want a trophy everywhere I work in my first season. We have a real chance now. We are the highest-ranked team in the FA Cup. Our status is of the highest club.

"People are maybe betting on us but I am not allowed!" he joked. "I am not a casino man. The highest-ranked teams have the better chance of winning."