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.

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.

Dutchman Van Gaal, who has admitted the Premier League title may be beyond his side, feels the competition is his best chance of silverware this season.

The manager also warned players, including ex-United Premier League winner Luke Chadwick, that they will be shirtless if they attempt to make a half-time swap.

A poll by bookmaker William Hill to identify the most ‘weather hardened fans’ gave United 23% of the vote – not surprisingly coming behind the Premier League’s two North-East sides Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Three-times European champions United rose two places to second in the 2015 annual Deloitte Football Money League report published yesterday.

Colombian striker Falcao missed a hatful of gilt-edged opportunities on Saturday afternoon as United stayed in the top four, a point above Arsenal who turned over champions Manchester City.