Scott Laird’s strike put the League One side ahead early in the second half at Deepdale before United fought back through Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney adding a third from the spot.

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.

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.

The manager also warned players, including ex-United Premier League winner Luke Chadwick, that they will be shirtless if they attempt to make a half-time swap.

A gruelling three games in six days over Christmas/New Year, highlighting strengths and exposing weaknesses in any squad, showed up United despite Louis van Gaal’s big ambitions at the club.

Louis van Gaal’s men, now unbeaten in nine Premier League fixtures, could only wrestle a draw from Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, despite having confidently dispatched Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Robin van Persie scored the third as Louis van Gaal’s men dominated Newcastle 3-1 to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.

United were in devilish form at Old Trafford on Sunday as they sealed their sixth consecutive Premier League victory by beating Liverpool 3-0.

The relative lack of current success for both clubs is threatening to take some of the bite out this most tempestuous of clashes.