FA CUP DRAW
Manchester United face a trip to Stamford Bridge in the quarter-final of the FA Cup. The two sides met in the same stage in Sir Alex’s final year in charge. The Blues came back from 2 goals down to earn a replay and qualified for the semis courtesy of a Demba Ba winner. The two sides last met in October with Chelsea running out 4-0 as winners.
BACK-UP
Manchester United named the most expensive substitutes bench in FA Cup history against Blackburn on Sunday. The bench contained £192 million worth of talent and included the likes of world record transfer Paul Pogba, the then most expensive teenage defender Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly, former club record transfer Juan Mata and Schweinsteiger along with Ibrahimovic and reserve keeper Dean Henderson. And they didn’t disappoint when called upon. Paul Pogba was the provider for fellow substitute Ibrahimovic as United secured a comeback 2-1 win at Ewood Park.
POST-MATCH WORDS
Jose Mourinho praised the travelling Red’s contingent for their boisterous support. The 7000 strong Red Army were as loud as ever during their side’s come from behind victory at Blackburn. Mourinho rued the fact that the Premier League doesn’t have so many away tickets.
LETHAL DUO
All five of Pogba’s assists this season have been finished of by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The pair seem to be getting along well after their summer moves. It was their introduction to the game that brought United to life. Their efforts and impacts were later hailed by manager Mourinho. The two will have to be at their lethal best when they visit Chelsea is United are to have any hopes of progressing to the semis.
INJURY UPDATE
Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones face a race against time to be fit for the title clash at Wembley next Sunday. The two missed the trip to Blackburn with a muscular problem and a bruised foot respectively. The manager also revealed that star keeper David de Gea and in-form right back were rested for the Cup tie and are in contention for the game in France.
KROOS CONTROL
Meanwhile United have reportedly revived their long-term interest in German World Champion Toni Kroos. United were favourites to sign the German back in 2013 but player opted for a move to the Bernabeu. Jose is ready to splash the cash on the German as he looks to build his side for the next campaign.
BIDDING WAR
Portuguese ace Bernardo Silva is in line for a windfall in the summer as all the top clubs in Europe go head-to-head for his signature. Chelsea are the latest team to be placed after his name after being scouted by continental heavyweights Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League side Manchester City. Silva can play in the No. 10 role or on the right hand side of a midfield. Tottenham’s boss is also an admirer after Silva destroyed his team in the Champions League earlier this season.