Match Previews

Preview: Huddersfield Town vs. Manchester United

Photo: Getty Images

Following a shocking display and result against Newcastle United last weekend in the Premier League, the FA Cup has become even more crucial to the campaign for United; and visiting Huddersfield once again – where they lost last time out – may be a huge match in the grand scheme of things.

On contrasting waves of form, it would seem David Wagner will be less worried about another trip to Wembley for a second consecutive season than José Mourinho who is under pressure from the fans to deliver.

As the evening kick-off, no one will be expecting a simple cup tie in this encounter.


Kick-off: 17:30 (GMT)


Venue: John Smith’s Stadium


Referee: Kevin Friend


The Terriers

Form: WWLLD

Top scorer (all competitions): Steve Mountie (5)

Most assists (all competitions): Aaron Mooy (4)

One to watch: Thomas Ince

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Jon Gorenc-Stanković; cruciate ligament (back in training)
  • Michael Hefele; ill (day to day)
  • Elias Kachunga; medial collateral ligament (3 weeks)
  • Christ Löwe; knock (day to day)
  • Aaron Mooy; infection (1 week)
  • Alex Pritchard; cup-tied
  • Sean Scannell; shoulder (5 weeks)

Team news

Laurent Depoitre is available for selection once again.

Style of play

Stopper Jonas Lössl has been relied upon heavily this season and pulled of some superb saves in the previous fixtures between the two teams this season.

Embed from Getty Images

Despite not being as successful as last season with their tactics, the press from Wagner has had its positives although hasn’t don’t outweighed the negatives yet.

Switching to a 5-3-2 from a 4-2-3-1 as of late in tougher outings, they aim it to allow for play-makers such as Philip Billing & Aaron Mooy to create chances for the strikers like Depoitre & Steve Mounie to make the most of.

What the manager said:

“We want to come into the next round. If we rotate then it’s to help us be successful.”

Road to the round

Third round: 2-1 Bolton Wanderers [A]

Fourth round: 1-1 Birmingham City [H] (1-4 [A])


The Red Devils

Talking points

Grumblings of unrest between Mourinho and his players (particularly Paul Pogba) were quickly shot down in his press conference as he described them as ‘lies’.

Lots of debate has surrounded the former world’s most expensive signing in the week but most of it seems to have faded due to contrasting reports.

However, United have confirmed that the French midfielder will miss the game through illness.

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Ander Herrera; thigh (2 weeks)
  • Marouane Fellaini; meniscus (5 weeks)
  • Zlatan Ibrahimović; hamstring (1 week)
  • Marcus Rashford; knock (day to day)
  • Paul Pogba; illness (day to day)

Team news

Sergio Romero is set to feature in goal.

Eric Bailly is an option for selection following returning to full training midweek.

Luke Shaw should start along with Victor Lindelöf to refresh the back line.

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Pogba will play some part in the match after a dodgy showing last weekend with a knock.

Juan Mata has been patient as of late and may well get his chance to shine.

What the manager said:

“Huddersfield really want to progress and make something beautiful in the cup … We know who they are, how they try to play, so I don’t think we can be caught by surprise.”

Previous results: 2-1 [A] 2-0 [H]


Match facts

  • Huddersfield have won just 1 of their last 13 meetings with United
  • United have won 2 of their 3 FA Cup ties against Huddersfield most recently in 1963 with Dennis Law scoring a hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing
  • Huddersfield haven’t reached the next stage of this competition since 1972
  • United have progressed past this stage in each of their last 8 attempts
  • Alexis Sánchez has been directly involved in 15 goals in his 15 FA Cup games (8 goals and 7 assists)

UK television channel: BT Sport 2


Enjoy the match!



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