Louis van Gaal looks set to rotate his team as Championship outfit Ipswich travel to Old Trafford for the first time in 14 years on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup.
On that occasion in 2001, United ran out 4-0 winners and, going back to 1995, there was of course that famous game in March 1995 in which Andy Cole hit five in a 9-0 romp for the Reds and the biggest ever margin of victory in the top flight.
The Reds will not have it so easy this time around, however...
On paper, a home tie against division-lower opposition should not pose any problems for United, but- with Coventry City and MK Dons from recent years springing to mind- shocks at this stage can happen and Ipswich, who have started their league campaign well- will provide a stern test for whichever Reds XI LVG puts out.
Ahead of three successive home matches in the space of seven days across three different competitions, Van Gaal looks set to shuffle his pack and hand game time to some of his fringe and young players.
The likes of Antonio Valencia, Andreas Pereira, Jesse Lingard, Sean Goss, Sam Johnstone and James Wilson are all pushing for involvement and could feature.
Paddy McNair is ruled out with a "minor" injury and Marcos Rojo is unavailable due to a hamstring problem but Phil Jones is in the squad and will be on the bench.
Former West Ham youth product Freddie Sears and Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles could feature for Mick McCarthy's full-strength Tractor Boys.
Speaking to MUTV, Van Gaal said:
"I shall make changes in my selection but still we want to win so it is important we have the correct balance in our team.
"Ipswich are a dangerous opponent and it is the same situation as last year I think, with Manchester United against a lower team but we want to progress.
"These games are always difficult because of the extra motivation of the opponent and all the pressure will be on us so we have to be confident.
"I have to admit that because of the injuries to three defenders I shall have Jones on the bench but he is not fit.
"It is our first game in this competition and it is always good to start at home."
Match odds: United 19/5 Draw 9/2 Ipswich 39/5
Form guide: United D W L W L W Ipswich W W L L W D
Referee: Simon Hooper
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