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Van Gaal relishes showdown with Arsenal in FA Cup last 8
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LOUIS van Gaal says he is relishing the chance to face Arsenal at Old Trafford after Manchester United earned a showdown with the holder in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Goals from Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney booked United’s place in the last eight with a 3-1 win at Preston North End in the fifth round on Monday.
The third-tier team took the lead early in the second half at Deepdale Stadium through Scott Laird but van Gaal’s side ultimately proved too strong.
Their reward is a potentially classic home tie against Arsenal on the weekend of March 7 and 8 after three successive away ties against lower-league opponents.
“We have a draw at home, which is important in FA Cup matches,” van Gaal said. “I am pleased we can play against Arsenal and at home.
“Every game in the FA Cup is difficult to win because every team is giving everything.
“I am very happy we can play now against Arsenal and for the first time we play at home.”
United and Arsenal have both won the FA Cup on 11 occasions, with their last meeting in the tournament won by United in the last eight in 2011.
Arsenal’s most recent triumph came last season against Hull City, while United has not lifted the trophy since 2004.
Elsewhere in a draw conducted by England manager Roy Hodgson and Brian Finney, son of the late legendary Preston winger Tom Finney, giant-killer Bradford City was handed a home tie against second-tier Reading as it looks to make the semifinals to cap a remarkable Cup run that has included a stunning 4-2 win at Premier League leader Chelsea in the fourth round and a 2-0 success against top-flight Sunderland in the fifth round on Sunday.
That pairing ensures at least one Football League side will make it to the final four.
Liverpool’s hopes of giving Steven Gerrard an emotional Wembley send-off on his 35th birthday were boosted as it was drawn to face Championship side Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.
Reds captain Gerrard has agreed a deal to leave Liverpool for Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, making the FA Cup final potentially his final match for the club he has served with great distinction since 1998.
The remaining quarterfinal pits Aston Villa, which appointed Tim Sherwood as its new manager this week, against local rival West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park.
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