Cole Expects Shrewsbury To Show Style

Manchester United legend Andy Cole is expecting a classic tie in the Emirates FA Cup when Shrewsbury Town provide the opposition on Monday night.

The former Reds striker, who won the competition in 1996 and 1999, saw the Shrews come up against Fleetwood Town, his son Devante's team, in a goalless draw earlier this month and was impressed by the way Micky Mellon's side play.

Mellon is a former team-mate of Cole's and all the ingredients appear to be in place for an intriguing battle at Greenhous Meadow.

"I watched them a few weeks ago, obviously when they played against Fleetwood," Cole told MUTV. "They were tough conditions and it was a very windy day. To be fair, Shrewsbury tried to get it down to play.

"I played with their manager many years ago at Bristol City and he plays with the right attitude. There is no doubt they'll enjoy the game. I'm not sure what their pitch will be like, it might be a bit difficult to try to play, but they will give it a good go.

"No doubt they were all buzzing when they got drawn out of the hat at home to Manchester United. What more can you ask for? Every player will be giving 110 per cent, for sure, as they are going to want to try to upset United in the FA Cup.

"I think it'll be a really good game and the good thing for them is I've seen a few teams in League One but they don't just lump it forward. They do try to play and it's refreshing to see that style in League One."

Cole lifted the trophy twice during his United days and he is an ardent supporter of the famous old tournament.

"It's a great competition to be in and a great competition to win," he said. "When you see these games, you've got to be very happy.

"I love the FA Cup. I was fortunate to win it a couple of times and should have won a couple more, to be brutally honest. But I can't be greedy. If you look at the competition now, if we can beat Shrewsbury, I mean, as people say, you can half smell the hot dogs."