Scott Laird’s strike put the League One side ahead early in the second half at Deepdale before United fought back through Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney adding a third from the spot.

Manchester United great Paul Scholes said what was on everyone’s minds however when he called watching his old club ‘miserable’ in his newspaper column on Friday.

Former Manchester United boss Ferguson agreed a rearranged date with the conference club to ensure he could open the community sports hall.

After moving past Cambridge United, the Red Devils now face Preston North End in the last 16 and United’s Dutch boss is well aware that silverware could be just four games away.

Spain’s Juan Mata says United are fully focused on dispatching Cambridge United in their FA Cup fourth-round replay on Tuesday after stalwart Darren Fletcher left for West Bromwich Albion.

The FA Cup is Manchester United’s top priority this season, according to defender Luke Shaw, ahead of tonight’s fourth-round replay against League Two side Cambridge United.

Manchester United are not used to being the butt of a joke, but after their dour 0-0 FA Cup draw against Cambridge United, Cheltenham Town fans have jumped at the chance to poke fun with a billboard.

Having succumbed 4-1 to the Potters in their midweek fourth round clash, Dale are aiming to get back on track when they visit Steven Pressley’s side at the Ricoh Arena.

Premier League Stoke City ran out 4-1 winners at Spotland Stadium thanks to goals from Bojan Krkic, Stephen Ireland, Victor Moses and Jonathan Walters, with Rhys Bennett notching for the League One hosts.

Two decades after Eric Cantona’s kung fu kick, United looked set for another disappointment after League Two Cambridge United held on to force an FA Cup replay but come Saturday afternoon and the Red Devils were the highest-placed team left in the competition.

A superb defensive and goalkeeping display ensured Wanderers will host the Premier League big boys next month after they denied the Reds a heavily-tipped home win.