After moving past Cambridge United, the Red Devils now face Preston North End in the last 16 and United’s Dutch boss is well aware that silverware could be just four games away.

Spain’s Juan Mata says United are fully focused on dispatching Cambridge United in their FA Cup fourth-round replay on Tuesday after stalwart Darren Fletcher left for West Bromwich Albion.

The Red Devils, who set up in an experimental 4-1-3-2 formation, always looked in control against a Leicester outfit that won the reverse fixture 5-3 back in September.

Manchester United are not used to being the butt of a joke, but after their dour 0-0 FA Cup draw against Cambridge United, Cheltenham Town fans have jumped at the chance to poke fun with a billboard.

The Dutchman raised eyebrows upon announcing he had three captains, but this weekend only Wayne Rooney will be available as Michael Carrick prepares for a month on the sidelines.

Two decades after Eric Cantona’s kung fu kick, United looked set for another disappointment after League Two Cambridge United held on to force an FA Cup replay but come Saturday afternoon and the Red Devils were the highest-placed team left in the competition.

Dutchman Van Gaal, who has admitted the Premier League title may be beyond his side, feels the competition is his best chance of silverware this season.

Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United, currently sat in fourth place in the Premier League, travel to the 8,000 capacity stadium on Friday evening to take on League Two outfit Cambridge United.

Colombian striker Falcao missed a hatful of gilt-edged opportunities on Saturday afternoon as United stayed in the top four, a point above Arsenal who turned over champions Manchester City.

De Gea has been in blistering form this term and now his partner Edurne Garcia is set to represent Spain at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in May.

United had been touted as potential title challengers during their 11-match unbeaten run over the Christmas period but are now 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.