Huddersfield Town 0-2 Manchester United

So we meet again,
Welcome again Red devils... As you will now be aware, We do the match thread 'early' on our board, comments welcome
This time a 5th round FA Cup tie.

This season's ledger stands at 1-1
Who wants this one most !

It would seem the Town faithful aren't bothered
a little over 12 thousand tickets sold. Why ?
a) tea time kick off,
b) £30 entry fee, (+ £20 & £15 concessions)
c) Live on TV.
That said, For this game the United support get the whole of the South stand. Which means 4000 visitors ! And the dispersion of the Player appreciated 12th man 'Cowshed Loyal'.
The visiting support will be loud, At times, it might come across as an 'away' day for TOWN.

Town should have designated an alternative 'standing area' for this game,
So all the South stand regulars could replicate the now usual vocal home support we have all come to enjoy. I hope this doesn't turn out to be another home...'Foggy, Compo & Clegg' Library edition !
And Please 'HTFC'.. NO happy clappers Use those things on the end of your arms... they were well designed in that regard,

Who wants this tie the most.
United are in a similar position to Town before the previous round ?
Just suffered a defeat, and have a monumental Euro tie the following Tuesday. (Seville- away). As much as this game is a 'free hit' for Town,
So too for United. But one the management will want to win to bring back a winning mindset after the defeat at Newcastle, (Thanks guys )
Town were in much the same predicament after the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford, then an upcoming difficult game v Bournemouth to follow after a 4th round replay at Birmingham. The Brum win was needed to bring back that confidence for the League game.
United will want to be going to Seville with the same mindset - & NOT on the back of 2 defeats and out of the FA Cup into the bargain. (As it's ever more unlikely they'll reel in City now).

Also.
Will Wagner treat this as a nuisance fixture, or go for it. ?
In the past he's claimed to like Cup knock out comps, And this is a chance however slim, from a professional point to avenge the 2-0 defeat mentioned earlier. or is he going to pull the plug on this one. Rest & rotate ..and Town go out in a whimper . I have no idea who will be picked, or how Town will approach this game.
Maureen-ho. Surely he'll have to have a mind to rest key players ready for Tuesday night ? It could hardly be called a "2nd eleven", But I shouldn't think it will be full strength. Although, How angry is he at the defeat at St James ! Will he be insistent that the side 'performs' no matter what. No 'rests'. No rotations.. Ibrahimovic. Might he get a run out ? Shaw for Young ? Who knows. Does he know ?

Now the 'issue' of Town Terriers, And as claimed, 'The dirtiest side to visit Old Trafford in years' ?? Well NO. Not really.
both sides were at it, It was the nature of that particular game.
That new fella ! His diving and theatricals were so poor there would have been no score cards at the 'pool' & better actors in Coronation St ! such were his efforts to influence the officials. All to no avail thankfully.

The stone wall penalty many 'claimed'.. again No. The Young fella was gormless in the extreme. The Town man (Kongolo) was high, looking at the ball. no raised arms or elbows, and headed the ball. The horrendous body contact was due to the stationary position of the attacking player. He should & could have also used body strength & momentum to counter the opposition player. Clearly seen by the referee, And quite rightly nothing given. As for 'dirty' Town ? Depoitre suffered a 1st half gash to the foot that required stitches at half time.. he played on. likewise Schindler took a heavy knock that required him to leave Old Trafford in a leg support...he too played on Something the 'ego stars' of the premiership could learn from. (Not just United players by any means).
Me. I'm hoping for another blood & thunder encounter, plenty of 'get stuck in' stuff. or is it only alright if it's Paddy Crerand, Bryan Robson or Roy Keane doing the clogging ?
At times, it is going to sound like a home game for the Reds, Nothing like a few 'incidents' to liven up the Town faithful & fire them up for what should have been another eagerly anticipated full house at the John Smiths.

What are the Odds on another upset, Slim. (at best).
Town looked far better v 'in form' Bournemouth. And took them to the cleaners really. The Big man will play, Mounie, but also essential that he is given regular accurate service. Enter Pritchard.
But most of us thought that a win was slim in October. can David's sling shot take out Goliath AGAIN
Set 'em alight the Blue & White...,

Who do we fancy in the 'Quarters' fellow Town fans ?
WIGAN !!