PREVIEW: Man United v Swans

5th January


The Swans take a break from league action on Sunday when they travel to Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup (4.30pm).

Michael Laudrup's side will certainly be looking for a positive result before they return to domestic action next weekend.

Ironically, the Swans' next Premier League game sees them travel to Old Trafford for the second time in six days next Saturday.

But they face an in-form United side that won six games in a row prior to their defeat against Tottenham on New Years Day.

Swansea, meanwhile, have won just once in their last ten games in all competitions - a 3-0 win over Newcastle back in December.

Manchester United have a rich FA Cup history, having won the competition 11 times in their history - the last of which came in 2004 against Millwall.

The Swans were knocked out at the third round stage last season following a replay defeat against Arsenal.

 

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United will be without injured trio Wayne Rooney (groin), Robin van Persie (thigh) and Ashley Young (shoulder).

The Swans are expected to make changes to the side that lost to Manchester City, but Pablo Hernandez is out with a hamstring problem.

 

WHAT THEY SAID

Manchester United boss David Moyes:"To have not won the FA Cup for 10 years is something which is a bit of a surprise but it's something which we'll try and do.

"We're trying to win all the competitions we enter which we're sure most people are trying to do but as far as I'm concerned we'll do everything we possibly can.

"The cup is important to me, it always has been but I'm sure it's important to every club."

 

Swans boss Michael Laudrup:"We are playing at Old Trafford, so we want to do as well as we can, even though it will be very difficult.

"Yes, we may make changes, especially now because we have 18 players - some of which have played a lot of games.

"But just because we make changes, doesn't mean we don't care about the competition. I think I already proved that last year."

 

MATCH FACTS

  • United have won the Cup 11 times, more than any other team
  • The furthest Swansea have ever been in the FA Cup is the semi-final stage. They reached the last four in 1926 and 1964.
  • This is the first time Manchester United have played Swansea in the FA Cup. Earlier this season United won 4-1 at Swansea in David Moyes's first Premier League match in charge of United.

** Don't forget, you can follow live updates from Old Trafford on Twitter via @SwansOfficial or the official website.