Louis van Gaal says he is relishing the chance to battle Arsenal at Old Trafford after Manchester United earned a showdown with the holders in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
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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.
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The third tier team took the lead early in the second half through Scott Laird but van Gaal’s side ultimately proved too strong.
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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.
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“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.
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“Every game in the FA Cup is difficult to win because every team is giving everything.
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“You have seen it also in this round, how many better situated teams have lost so I don’t think that of course when you play against a lower team then the chance to win is always bigger.
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“I am very happy we can play now against Arsenal and for the first time we play at home.”
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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.
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Arsenal’s most recent triumph came last season against Hull City, while United have not lifted the trophy for about 11 years now.
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