All the vital information ahead of Ipswich Town’s visit to Old Trafford in the Capital One Cup third round.
When and where?
Wednesday night, 8pm at Old Trafford
What’s the team news?
This one’s a bit of a toughie to predict, with anything possible from the two managers. Mick McCarthy could opt to give a few of his Ipswich fringe players a chance at Old Trafford, while Louis van Gaal has a wide range of senior players and young stars to choose from. We’ll find out at 6.45pm this evening.
Who is their manager?
Mr van Gaal is a seasoned performer throughout Europe, having taken charge of the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, the Dutch national team and Ajax. He’s won league titles with every club he’s managed as well as a European Cup with Ajax, and finished third at the 2014 World Cup.
How have they been getting on so far this season?
United are currently second in the Premier League, two points behind neighbours Manchester City, having won four of their opening six games. A Champions League loss at PSV last week has clouded that, somewhat, as did the loss at Swansea.
Who has the best record in this fixture?
The Red Devils do, but only because of their more recent record against the Blues in this fixture. In total, Manchester United have won 28 of the 56 clashes, with the Blues taking 19 wins. They’ve only met once in the League Cup, with Ipswich winning 2-0 in 1997 thanks to goals from Alex Mathie and Mauricio Taricco.
What happened last time they met?
It was controversial, but the Red Devils all-but relegated Ipswich in April 2002 thanks to a ‘dive’ by Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman went down under the slightest touch from Titus Bramble and John McGreal and converted the penalty himself, leaving George Burley’s side with a mountain to climb at Liverpool on the final day in order to avoid relegation. They didn’t even look like climbing it, as they crashed 5-0 at Anfield.
Who is the ref?
Referee Simon Hooper will take charge of Wednesday night’s game. He was in charge when the Blues beat Burnley 2-0 earlier this season.
Who is Manchester United’s danger man?
Where to start? Depending on who plays you can pick any of Rooney, Mata, Martial, Depay, Young, Herrera, Fellaini or Schweinsteiger. Back-ups like Lingard, Wilson and Pereira aren’t bad either.
What are the bookies saying?
Understandably the hosts are favourites for this one at 2/5 (according to Bet365) but if you fancy an upset then the Blues are priced at 15/2. If you think extra-time is on the cards then a draw in 90 minutes is 17/4. The shortest priced Ipswich first goalscorers (Murphy and McGoldrick) are at 11/1 but, in a strange quirk, the bookies have both Pawel and Piotr Malarczyk priced at 66/1. Note sure who Pawel is…
Anything else worth knowing?
Did you know Louis van Gaal has managed a former Ipswich player to European Cup glory? Well he has. Finidi George was part of the Ajax team which beat AC Milan in 1995.
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