Ruud Van Nistelrooy Takes On Man Utd in FA Cup as Marcus Rashford Looks to Restart at Villa

Manchester United will face a tough challenge this weekend as Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford with his struggling Leicester team in the FA Cup. Van Nistelrooy, a former United player, will be hoping to cause more pain for his old club in this fourth-round clash. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is looking for a fresh start with Aston Villa as they aim to overcome their recent struggles. As the holders of the FA Cup, Manchester United will kick off the round at their home ground on Friday against the Foxes. This promises to be an exciting match to watch. Other standout fixtures in the fourth round include Aston Villa taking on Tottenham and Brighton facing Chelsea. Birmingham, a club co-owned by former NFL superstar Tom Brady, will have their eyes set on an upset as they go up against Newcastle. This match could provide some thrilling moments as Birmingham looks to cause a surprise victory. Additionally, a struggling Manchester City side will be determined to avoid a monumental shock as they face third-tier Leyton Orient. City's recent form hasn't been up to their usual standard, so they'll be cautious not to underestimate their opponents in this match. Overall, the FA Cup fourth round presents a thrilling lineup of matches, with teams like Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Manchester City looking to secure their progression while facing challenging opponents.

AFP Sport looks at some of the main talking points ahead of the action.

Rashford's redemption chance

Marcus Rashford has a point to prove after his ugly divorce from Manchester United and could make his debut for Villa against Tottenham on Sunday.

The England man was frozen out by United manager Ruben Amorim, who did not pick him from mid-December onwards, despite the Red Devils' struggles.

Rashford has had a poor season, scoring just four goals in the Premier League, and a paltry seven in total.

But he is eligible to play for Unai Emery's team in the FA Cup because he was not involved for United in their third-round victory against Arsenal.

Advertisement

"I couldn't put Marcus to see the way you're supposed to play football and to train the way I see it," said Amorim.

Villa, who lost Jhon Duran in the transfer window, will be looking to Rashford to help boost their goal output, especially with England international striker Ollie Watkins an injury doubt.

Former United captain Gary Neville, now a pundit, said the move offers Rashford opportunities in a "far better team at this moment in time".

But he said there was pressure on the forward to perform for Emery after his recent poor form under both Erik Ten Hag and Amorim.

Advertisement

"Unai Emery can't be a problem for Marcus Rashford," he added. "He has to play well for him."

Van Nistelrooy targets United scalp in reunion

Van Nistelrooy will be desperate for a distraction from Leicester's Premier League woes when he visits his former stomping ground Old Trafford.

A star striker for United in his playing days, Van Nistelrooy was appointed as Ten Hag's assistant coach last July, taking interim charge when his fellow Dutchman was sacked in October.

Van Nistelrooy was the man in charge when United beat the Foxes twice at home earlier this season, in the Premier League and the League Cup.

But he was deemed surplus to requirements once Amorim officially started his job as United boss.

Van Nistelrooy will hope to take advantage of United's horrendous home form. Amorim's men have lost five of their last six matches at Old Trafford against Premier League opposition.

But Leicester's plight is worse -- they have lost eight of their past nine league games and are in grave danger of relegation in their first season back in the top division.

Newcastle's banana skin?

Newcastle are riding the crest of a wave after beating Arsenal 2-0 on Wednesday to progress to the League Cup final 4-0 on aggregate.

The Magpies are hoping to end a 56-year wait for a major trophy at Wembley next month against Liverpool and have their eye on another cup run against a side two divisions below them.

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

However, a trip to St. Andrew's is a potential banana skin. Birmingham are romping clear at the top of League One and are unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)