FA Cup 3rd round draw simulated as Man Utd are reunited with Van Nistelrooy and Pep Guardiola risks more embarrassment
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to be reunited with new Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy in SunSport’s simulated FA Cup draw.
Every Premier League and Championship side will enter their names into the hat of the third-round draw taking place tonight.
Reigning FA champs United are projected to host former striker Van Nistelrooy, who now runs the show at the King Power Stadium.
The Dutchman, who wanted to sink back into an assistant role after his four game stint as United interim boss, was axed from Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff on the first day of the Portuguese tactician’s arrival.
Ironically, two of Van Nistelrooy’s caretaker wins in the M16 dugout came against Leicester – a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup, before a 3-0 trouncing in the Prem 11 days later.
New permanent gaffer Amorim has his eyes set on winning a trophy during his first season in England – just like Erik ten Hag did with the Carabao Cup in February 2023.
The FA Cup draw will take place at Old Trafford – home of holders United – on Monday December 2 on BBC Two from 7pm.
Meanwhile, last season’s runners ups Man City will play Mansfield Town, according to our calculations.
Pep Guardiola‘s side are winless in seven, having lost their last FOUR Prem games – an unprecedented rough phase for the once unbeatable champs.
But they’re at risk of further embarrassment if they fail to beat League One outfit Mansfield.
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Arsenal are due to play Brentford in the Prem on News Years Day, and our draw has seen them land each other again 10 days later.
The third-round fixtures are scheduled to take place over the weekend of Saturday 11 January.
The Gunners ought to take the FA Cup more seriously this season, with rival fans beginning to question their lack of trophies since Mikel Arteta lifted the esteemed English trophy in 2020.
SunSport’s simulator pitted Chelsea to travel to Wolves where they won 6-2 in August, and Reading were handed a nightmare clash against Prem leaders Liverpool.
Wayne Rooney faces an eye-watering clash with former side Everton, who are desperate for a change in momentum after they were thumped 4-0 by Man Utd on Sunday.
But first, the former Goodison Park academy product has TWO games to save his job at Plymouth Argyle as he faces the axe.
Rooney, 39, has seen his Plymouth side win just four of their 18 league games this season since he took charge over the summer.
Only two non-league clubs have made it to the third round this year.
Dagenham & Redbridge triumphed against League Two‘s AFC Wimbledon, while Tamworth claimed a penalty shootout win against League One side Burton Albion.
National League side Tamworth have a home tie against League One’s Leyton Orient on the cards, who narrowly beat Boreham Wood on pens last time out.
While Dagenham & Redbridge are set to play host to the mighty QPR.