Man United v Sheffield United: FA Cup can save Van Gaal

Sheffield United may be the form team going into their FA Cup third round tie with Manchester United but the gulf currently separating the two sides means the home side have to be backed to win Saturday’s tea-time kick-off.

The Blades come into the game having won four of their last five games in all competitions, while the Red Devils have won just one of their last five.

However, Sheffield United have not beaten Saturday’s hosts since 1992, with the Red Devils winning each of the last five meetings between the two sides.

While the sides have not met in any competition since a 2-0 Premier League win for Manchester United in 2007, history suggest that goals can be expected at both ends with both sides netting in nine of the last 15 clashes.

And with this in mind Ladbrokes’ Price Boost on the game could be too good to ignore, with Man United winning and both teams to score boosted from 9/4 to a more enticing 11/4.

But with the game being screened live on BT Sport 2 the best value could come from the First Goalscorer markets with Ladbrokes prepared to double the odds when your selection nets first and inside 25 minutes. *

With this in mind Red Devils strikers Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, who went some way to silencing critics of their recent form with a goal each in their last game against Swansea, could be worth backing at odds of 10/3 and 7/2 respectively.

For those who think the Blades will seize the initiative, however, Billy Sharp appears to be the man most likely.

The 29-year-old has hit 11 goals and counting in League One this term and at 10/1 – potentially rising to 20/1 – could be worth a small stake to put the visitors in front.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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