Crerand happy with cup draw

MUTV pundit Paddy Crerand says the Reds have been handed a “great” FA Cup draw.

Crerand, who lifted the cup with United in 1963, says facing Tottenham Hotspur or Reading at Old Trafford in the fourth round should ensure the Reds don’t go into the match complacent.

“When you get daft little teams from lower divisions you don’t know what to expect,” Crerand told MUTV. “But this is a game in which United have to field a strong side, no matter who gets through.”

Spurs and Reading drew 2-2 at White Hart Lane on Saturday and will settle the tie at the Madejski Stadium with a third round replay on Tuesday 15 January.

“I’d love for Tottenham to get through,” Crerand said. “We played Reading last season. Tottenham have a great FA Cup history and I think it would be fantastic if we could play them in the fourth round.”

Although United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the third round didn’t excite too many neutrals, the former Scotland international said he thoroughly enjoyed his day at Villa Park.

“When the manager brought Owen Hargreaves on I thought he was settling for a draw and I was quite happy with that because I thought we could finish the job at Old Trafford in a replay.

“But then he brought Wayne Rooney on and it was as if the place had been struck by lightning! He was absolutely everywhere.

“What I enjoyed most on Saturday, however, was the Manchester United support. It was incredibly and the fans were very witty. No wonder the United players and the manager love to play at Villa Park – it’s because the fans love to go there and they make so much noise. They never stopped on Saturday and sung from start to finish.”

United will play Tottenham or Reading at Old Trafford on Saturday 26 January or Sunday 27 January.