The
Reds have been here before: United were held 0-0 by then Conference
sides Exeter and Burton in successive seasons in 2004/05 and then
2005/06.
More recently in 2011, non league Crawley came within inches of taking United back to West Sussex as they narrowly went down 1-0 in the fifth round.
More recently in 2011, non league Crawley came within inches of taking United back to West Sussex as they narrowly went down 1-0 in the fifth round.
On
both those earlier occasions United came out on top in the replay and
will be red hot favourites to do so again this time around as the Old
Trafford game will be a totally different scenario to Friday's
stalemate.
The
narrow confines of the Abbey Stadium certainly proved a big leveller
in Friday night's encounter; United did not have the space and width
to stretch the game and press Cambridge high enough.
Old
Trafford's vast, energy-sapping pitch will play right into United's
hands: we will stretch the game more, press Cambridge higher and they
will tire quickly making it easier for the Reds to break them down.
The
3rd February replay in Manchester will earn Cambridge in excess of
£1million with a share of gate receipts, ticket sales, TV revenue
and sponsorship.
Not
only that, but for their players and fans it will be a once in a
lifetime opportunity to visit one of sport's greatest arenas.
It
is what the FA Cup is all about and just goes to show that anything
can happen in the world's oldest domestic cup competition.
Asked
if he thought his Cambridge side, 75 places below United in the
league system, can go to Old Trafford and win, Us boss Richard Money
said:
“No,
I don't think we have much of a chance, but you never know.
“I said after the game in the dressing room:
“You're going to Old Trafford.
“Who cares what happens, just go an enjoy it and soak it in. It's a once in a lifetime chance for us. Whatever happens, happens.
“This club has been in the doldrums for 10 years, out of the Football League and almost out of existence at one stage and suddenly here were are taking everybody back to Old Trafford.
“It's incredible.”
“I said after the game in the dressing room:
“You're going to Old Trafford.
“Who cares what happens, just go an enjoy it and soak it in. It's a once in a lifetime chance for us. Whatever happens, happens.
“This club has been in the doldrums for 10 years, out of the Football League and almost out of existence at one stage and suddenly here were are taking everybody back to Old Trafford.
“It's incredible.”
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