FA Cup – No Question About That

On referees and fake news

March 14, 2017 by Ed

The pattern is familiar: a high profile game, a hotly debated decision, pundits grasping loosely for facts in an opinionated world, and irate supporters venting frustration across social media. It was no different on Monday night, as referee Michael Oliver booked Ander Herrera twice inside 35 minutes at Stamford Bridge, in one moment ruining both the spectacle and Manchester United’s chances of retaining the FA Cup. To many United supporters Oliver’s performance was an aberration; to most others, a delight.

Chelsea v Manchester United, FA Cup Sixth Round, Stamford Bridge, 13 March 2017

Strikerless Reds head to Stamford Bridge in search of unlikely Cup glory

March 12, 2017 by Thomas Willoughby

Articles

Chelsea, FA Cup

Another week, another frustrating draw. In what is quickly becoming the standard result for José Mourinho’s side, Manchester United braved a 3,750 mile round trip to Rostov to return with yet another stalemate. It was, at least, a result that should be enough to see the Reds through to the Europa League quarter-final. An FA Cup tie at Chelsea on Monday represents another challenge again.

Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United, FA Cup, Ewood Park, 19 February 2017

Reds travel to Blackburn as fixture pile-up takes hold

February 18, 2017 by Liam Bryce

Articles

Blackburn Rovers, FA Cup

Manchester United’s 10 days of tribulations is now underway, opening with a trickier-than-it-looked victory over AS Saint-Etienne in the Europa League. The Reds take a 3-0 lead into the second leg in France, which should provide ample cushion to rest some key names as the fixtures continue to pile up. José Mourinho was not altogether satisfied with United’s display against les Verts, but two goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the closing stages – adding to his bizarre opener – means that the manager can look to Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers in isolation.

Manchester United v Wigan Athletic, FA Cup, Old Trafford, 29 January 2017

Off-colour Reds face former coach Joyce in Cup reunion

January 28, 2017 by Ed

Articles

FA Cup, Wigan Athletic

The November-December bubble has truly burst. Manchester United’s defeat to Hull City in the League Cup on Thursday night followed successive draws against Stoke City and Liverpool in the Premier League. With each came a consecutively less impressive performance, culminating in a 2-1 loss at Marco Silva’s bottom-dwellers. United’s defeat in Hull was embarrassing, if not disastrous, but manager José Mourinho will have no doubt that his side must quickly turn a patch of poor form around.

Manchester United v Reading, FA Cup, Old Trafford, 7 January 2017

FA Cup defence begins with Royal visit

January 7, 2017 by Liam Bryce

Articles

FA Cup, Reading

Rewind to January 2016 and the mood at Manchester United could hardly be more different. Although Louis Van Gaal did not depart until the end of the season, it was in the disastrous conclusion to 2015 that his fate was effectively sealed. The Reds did not win a game in December during a dismal run that included three straight defeats. Title ambitions were shattered and at one stage it appeared as though Van Gaal would not make it to the New Year.

Manchester United v Crystal Palace, FA Cup Final, 21 May 2016

Cup Final Preview: Scarlet Ribbons in the merry month of May

May 21, 2016 by Daniel Bennett

Articles

Crystal Palace, FA Cup

In years gone by the build up to the FA Cup final would centre on the teams involved. The occasion and the prize on offer mean far more than the future of any manager. But, then, this hasn’t been any old season. Manchester United heads into the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace looking for the club’s first piece of major silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Three long years. While reaching the cup final is to be celebrated, there will be relief painted across United supporters’ faces come full-time on Saturday. The curtain will surely come down on Louis van Gaal’s era at Old Trafford.

Everton v Manchester United, FA Cup, Wembley, 23 April 2016

Reds chase Van Gaal’s perfect leaving present at Wembley

April 22, 2016 by Daniel Bennett

Articles

Everton, FA Cup

Over the years Manchester United has entered spring chasing a league title, a domestic cup or European glory. Days out to Wembley were common, as was the tension as the Reds sought to tie up yet another title. Spring has not been so kind in recent years, though, with United having little to shout about since the spring of 2013 when the Reds wrapped up a record-breaking 20th league title on a late April night. Yet, on Saturday, United’s supporters will find themselves walking down Wembley Way once again, with the hope of FA Cup glory firmly on the mind.

West Ham United v Manchester United, FA Cup, Upton Park, 13 April 2016

With hope lost in the league, Reds look to Wembley for salvation

April 13, 2016 by Ed

Articles

FA Cup, West Ham United

“The challenge was bigger for me at Manchester United. I am sorry for Tottenham, but Manchester United are a bigger club.”

Louis van Gaal doesn’t regret choosing United over Spurs despite his side’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Van Gaal may not regret choosing United, but United fans are certainly ruing his decision. There us little doubt Spurs supporters must have chuckled at the suggestion Van Gaal is “sorry” that the London club missed out on the ‘genius’ veteran manager.

Predicting the season’s end

April 3, 2016 by Ed

Articles

FA Cup, Premier League

Seven games to go. Seven games in which Louis van Gaal could save his job and Manchester United’s season; more should the Reds beat West Ham United at Upton Park in 10 days to progress in the FA Cup. It is a little over half-a-dozen games that will define not only a season, but shape the club’s immediate future. Rant knows the outcome. Well, sort of…

Cup elimination approaches as Reds welcome West Ham

March 13, 2016 by Daniel Bennett

Articles

FA Cup, West Ham United

“When you analyse what we’ve done this season and last season, you cannot say it isn’t working.” Words of a delusional Louis van Gaal ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final with West Ham United at Old Trafford. United supporters have kept a remarkable degree of patience over the last 20 months, calmly accepting poor performances and indifferent results as part of the rebuilding process. After Thursday’s defeat at Anfield that patience has snapped.
Read More

fa-cup

On referees and fake news

Strikerless Reds head to Stamford Bridge in search of unlikely Cup glory

Reds travel to Blackburn as fixture pile-up takes hold

Off-colour Reds face former coach Joyce in Cup reunion

FA Cup defence begins with Royal visit

Cup Final Preview: Scarlet Ribbons in the merry month of May

Reds chase Van Gaal’s perfect leaving present at Wembley

With hope lost in the league, Reds look to Wembley for salvation

Predicting the season’s end

Cup elimination approaches as Reds welcome West Ham