United to face MK Dons away in League Cup
First visit...
By Chris
August 13 2014
Manchester United will play Milton Keynes Dons for the first time, following the relocation of Wimbledon FC to the Buckinghamshire town, after the two clubs were paired together in the second round of the League Cup.
The Red Devils are accustomed to entering the competition at the third round stage, but will take part one round earlier having failed to qualify for European competition last season.
Karl Robinson’s men qualified for the second round following a comfortable 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon, the club formed following the highly-controversial relocation of Wimbledon FC to MK in 2003.
The club's name later changed from Wimbledon FC to MK Dons in 2004. That date is now widely attributed as the year of the club's formation,with MK Dons opting to relinquish claims to Wimbledon FC’s earlier history in 2006.
Whilst United last played 'old' Wimbledon in February 2000, this League Cup clash will thus be regarded as the first meeting between the two clubs.
Given that European football is off the table this season, new boss Louis van Gaal should be preparing a three-pronged assault on domestic competition this season, and will savour English cup action for the first time at Stadium MK on the week commencing August 25th.
Other notable second round ties include an all-Yorkshire affair between Bradford City and Leeds United, and a London derby between Championship pairing Brentford and Fulham.