United bid to continue an actually-quite-successful shambles
Louis van Gaals Manchester United are a conundrum. A tactical muddle, shakier at the back than a put-up-yourself wardrobe, constantly feeling shrouded by a strange miasma of uncertainty
and yet they could well end the season with a third-placed finish in the Premier League and another FA Cup win. That, given the state of the side at the end of last season, would be a triumph in anyones book. Van Gaals side didnt so much flirt with embarrassment against Cambridge United in the last round as buy embarrassment a drink and attempt a few dodgy chat-up lines, and Preston, who havent reached the last eight since 1965-66, are more than capable of giving their neighbours another scare. Its a bit of a thankless task for United anything other than a comprehensive win will be seen as another weak display but their manager will be eager to see a few signs of cohesion and a little more evidence that this sometimes shambling season can end in success. JA