Cambridge 0 Manchester United 0: League Two club hold Louis van Gaal's men to book lucrative Old Trafford replay

 

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FA Cup: Tom Champion of Cambridge United battles for the ball with James Wilson of Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Standard Reporter24 January 2015

League Two Cambridge earned a FA Cup fourth-round replay at Old Trafford after Louis van Gaal and his Manchester United side endured an uncomfortable evening at the R Costings Abbey Stadium.

Cambridge, the lowest ranked team remaining in the competition, were rewarded for their endeavour with a return in Manchester which will provide a significant boost to their finances.

Dutchman Van Gaal, who said a 4-4-2 formation gives him a "twitchy a**", selected four at the back and suffered an evening full of anxiety in the 0-0 draw.

At times it was difficult to tell which side had won the competition a record 11 times as the Us, who twice won at Wembley last season, refused to be cowed by their more illustrious opponents.

Richard Money's men had Van Gaal squirming on his posterior on the concrete seat in the visiting dugout, particularly when packing the six-yard box at corners.

Cambridge were deservedly level at half-time and indebted to Chris Dunn for staying so entering the final 30 minutes when the goalkeeper saved from Radamel Falcao.

It took United until the 64th minute to score at Yeovil in the third round and, despite occupying Cambridge territory for the majority of the second half, they could not find an opening at Cambridge.

Dunn saved from substitute Robin van Persie and Angel di Maria in stoppage time as the hosts celebrated a memorable result.

Cambridge drew with United 1-1 in their previous meeting at the Abbey Stadium - as part of a 4-1 aggregate League Cup loss in 1991 - and held on once again.

United are still in with a chance of a first FA Cup win since 2004, but must do better in the return.

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