• FA Cup

Van Gaal reveals Rooney's inspirational team talk

Louis van Gaal has revealed how Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney's inspirational speech helped his team-mates gain revenge against Leicester - but does not believe the same will be required in Tuesday's FA Cup replay with Cambridge.

United lost 5-3 to Leicester in September but won Saturday's rematch 3-1 at Old Trafford. And Van Gaal said Rooney reminded his team-mates exactly what was required of them.

"Rooney said before the start of the match, 'Do you remember how we lost that?'," Van Gaal said. "Everyone wanted revenge. It's good and it is also that same feeling with Cambridge."

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United struggled in their original meeting with Cambridge and they were held to a 0-0 draw. However, with the prospect of a last-16 tie against either Sheffield United or Preston North End, Van Gaal believes United have a great opportunity to win their first FA Cup in 11 years - which would see Rooney lift the only domestic trophy that has evaded him so far.

Four of the Premier League's top six - Chelsea, Manchester City, Southampton and Tottenham - are already out of the FA Cup, while seventh-placed Liverpool face a potentially awkward replay at Bolton on Wednesday.

"Everything is against you at Manchester United and everything is in favour of the underdog," Van Gaal added. "But, in spite of all the criticism we have had, we are still in the FA Cup and a lot of teams are not. When there's a lot of high potential winners out then your chance is bigger.

"Manchester United have not won it for 11 years so not always the best team win it. It's also the underdog. That's our warning for Tuesday."

Van Gaal complained about the pitch at Cambridge's Abbey Stadium after the 0-0 draw but explained: "It was not my purpose to say that. It was that everything is against us in general."

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