Louis van Gaal declared he was not a “casino man” but said Manchester United were worth betting on to win the FA Cup for a 12th time after beating Cambridge United 3-0 in the fourth-round replay at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Goals from Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo – his first for the club – and James Wilson – his second of the season – put United through to meet Preston North End on 16 February at Deepdale in the next round.
United last won the trophy 11 years ago but Van Gaal said: “We have a real chance now. Why? We are the highest-qualified team in the FA Cup so our status is the highest clubso the possibility [is there]. People are maybe betting on us. I am not allowed to. I give you a tip.”
Asked if he would bet on United if he could, the manager said: “I am not a casino man. But of course I think the highest-qualified teams have more possibilities to win than lower-qualified teams that is why everyone is in favour of Cambridge tonight. But Arsenal is still in the Cup and also a very high competitor. Liverpool is also there and will fight [at] Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.”
Of Preston, whom United last played 43 years ago, the Dutchman said: “Preston beat a great cup fighter in Sheffied United. I heard from Ryan [Giggs] they are very good cup fighters and they beat them 3-1. So Preston is not a piece of cake.”
