Author

Adam Baker writes

Posted Wednesday, December 20th 2017 @AdamBakerBCFC

Big Match Preview: Manchester United

Wednesday, December 20th 2017

City host Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at a sold-out Ashton Gate.

Lee Johnson's side go into the game on the back of four straight league wins, while three-time European champions United are second in the Premier League.

FACTFILE

Formed:1902
Nickname: Red Devils
Website: www.manutd.com
Twitter: @manutd
Ground: Old Trafford
Capacity: 75,643

Domestic Honours

First Division: 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965, 1967, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013
Second Division: 1936, 1975
FA Cup: 1909, 1948, 1962, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2016
League Cup: 1992, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2016
Community Shield: 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016. *shared

European Honours

European Cup: 1968, 1999, 2008
European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1991
UEFA Europa League: 2017
European Super Cup: 1991

Last season:

Premier League: 6th
FA Cup: Quarter-finals, lost to Chelsea
EFL Cup: Winners, beat Southampton
Top scorer: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Average attendance: 75,290

HOW DID THEY GET HERE?

Due to their commitments in Europe, Manchester United were handed a bye past rounds one and two.

Burton Albion were comfortably dispatched in the third round by four goals to one at Old Trafford.

On the road at Swansea City in the next stage of the competition, a brace from Jesse Lingard ensured the Red Devils of a trip to Ashton Gate in the quarter-finals.

MEET THE GAFFER - JOSÉ MOURINHO

One of world football’s best-known coaches, Mourinho took over at United in May 2016.

He brought with him a wealth of managerial experience at some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea (twice).

He lifted the Champions League with his native Porto in 2004, overcoming Monaco in the final. He repeated the feat with Inter Milan six years later, beating Bayern Munich 2-0 in Madrid.

In 17 seasons of club management, Mourinho has won eight domestic league titles and four European trophies, along with a string of individual awards.

Mourinho’s tactical knowledge and charismatic – albeit sometimes controversial – personality makes him hugely popular with supporters and the media alike.

STAR MAN - MARCUS RASHFORD

The striker scored on his first start for United in the Europa League and bagged a brace on his maiden Premier League appearance.

Then, at the age of 18 years and 208 days, he scored on his international debut for England against Australia.

Rashford continues to shine in the Red Devils side and is a regular starter in the Carabao Cup.

After being part of England’s squad at Euro 2016, he will be hoping to travel to Russia next summer with Gareth Southgate’s side for the World Cup.

CLASSIC MATCH

1908/09
Manchester United 1-0 Bristol City

Both sides were looking for a first FA Cup success when they met at Crystal Palace Sports Ground on April 24th 1909. Sandy Turnball scored the only goal midway through the first half before captain Charlie Roberts lifted the trophy in front of more than 71,000 fans. City played in dark blue, while United also changed to a white strip.