Van Gaal was among those who paid their respects to the Busby Babes on Friday, the 57th anniversary of Manchester United’s darkest day, as the third-placed club prepared to take on West Ham on Sunday.

More than 1,000 fans will embark on a 500-mile round-trip to attend FC United of Manchester’s FA Trophy quarter-final fixture against Conference Premier side Torquay United this weekend while Premier League devotees struggle to afford rising ticket prices.

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.

Keep up to date with the latest transfers on deadline day as we take you around Manchester’s league clubs.

The Red Devils, who set up in an experimental 4-1-3-2 formation, always looked in control against a Leicester outfit that won the reverse fixture 5-3 back in September.

Sadiq El Fitouri who, despite only having made his debut for Salford City three weeks ago, has just signed for Manchester 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.

The Dutchman raised eyebrows upon announcing he had three captains, but this weekend only Wayne Rooney will be available as Michael Carrick prepares for a month on the sidelines.

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.