FA Cup: Manchester United duo Luke Shaw and Robin van Persie available for tie at Cambridge Utd
Thursday 22 January 2015 16:48, UK
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says forward Robin van Persie and full-back Luke Shaw are available for Friday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Cambridge.
However, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Ashley Young will miss out while van Gaal refused to confirm reports suggesting Victor Valdes is set to make his debut in goal.
Shaw and van Persie sat out last Saturday’s 2-0 win at QPR but could return on Friday, although van Gaal will assess the players in training first.
“We have to wait until training but Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are out for sure,” said the Dutchman.
The FA Cup is very important for fans and players. Attendances are much higher here than in Germany or Spain.
“Robin van Persie is available, Luke Shaw is also available.”
Regarding the possibility of former Barcelona man Valdes making his debut, van Gaal added: “I find it unbelievable how the media can write that.
“I don't want to say anything about my line-up until three quarters of an hour before the game."
Van Gaal says he is expecting a “special atmosphere” for the tie at the Abbey Stadium, against a League Two side who have won their last three matches.
“We have to be alert to play against them,” he said. “I have to analyse training, the gameplan and who is the most suitable choice.
“The FA Cup is very important for fans and players. Attendances are much higher here than in Germany or Spain.”
The Dutchman has studied his League Two opponents in great detail and is expecting them to try to use their height to cause a huge shock on Friday night.
"Cambridge play very direct, with long balls. They have five or six players above 1m 90cm (6ft 3in) so for us it's difficult to defend and that's why you have to prepare yourself very good," the United manager said.
"It's not so easy to beat Cambridge United."
