Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United FA Cup Preview
By: Timothy Dehinbo
Manchester United would be looking to keep their bid to retain the FA cup they won last season on when they face
championship side Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the fifth round on Sunday.
It’s the third time holders United have been drawn against lower-league opposition in this season’s tournament, but manager Jose Mourinho will still be wary since the game comes amid a fixture pile-up for the Red Devils.
Manchester United played on Thursday night in the UEFA Europa League last-32 tie against
French club Saint-Etienne, with the second leg coming on February 22.
United will also face Southampton in this season’s EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 26.
As for Blackburn, the Lancashire outfit are in a relegation battle in the Championship. Rovers sit second bottom, one place below Wigan Athletic, the side dominated by United in the last round.
United need to keep his squad in good shape and fit to deal with competition on four fronts. It’s an issue Mourinho is already concerned about. He said, “The Europa League is a competition where we play on Thursdays and that makes it even more difficult for us. “With the accumulation of FA Cup, League Cup and match postponed it is really hard for us.
He said, “The Europa League is a competition where we play on Thursdays and that makes it even more difficult for us. “With the accumulation of FA Cup, League Cup and match postponed it is really hard for us.
“If you progress in the competitions, we will be in trouble in April and May. But we cannot choose competitions so we play to win.”
Mourinho is right to worry about the physical toll likely to be exacted by so many games over a short period.
However, the Portuguese is also in charge of one of the deeper squads in England’s top flight, affording him the luxury of choosing from multiple talented internationals at every position.
It means Mourinho should be able to pick a refreshed squad for each competition. Michael Carrick will be for United if he returns to the match day squad.
The Midfield Maestro, Carrick, ought to have his run of midfield. The 35-year-old is the one player Rovers can’t allow having too much time and space with the ball.
Blackburn boss Owen Coyle must instruct his players to quickly press and break up United’s rhythm.
Blackburn Rovers just aren’t doing so well, and it would be difficult for them against a Manchester United side who have returned to great form under Jose’s watch.
Manchester United would win and join the Likes Of Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Chelsea, Millwall etc in the Quarter Finals.
PREDICTION: BLACKBURN ROVERS 1-3 MANCHESTER UNITED
