Manchester United v. Exeter City - Match Preview

Manchester United start their defence of the world's greatest domestic knock-out tournament tomorrow, kicking their FA Cup campaign off against Conference side Exeter City at Old Trafford.

Exeter couldn't believe their luck when they were paired off with the Red Devils a few months back as they are set to receive a massive financial boost and come up against one of Europe's finest clubs.

A sell out crowd is expected to be in attendance as United look to use this tie mainly to parade their young superstars.

"The FA Cup could be crucial to this club. The money we get will be well received and well spent." said Gracians boss Alex Inglethorpe

Inglethorpe's team has had to work for their dream trip to Old Trafford, knocking down big stumbling blocks such as Grimsby Town and Doncaster Rovers. Like their cup run, their league form has been going pretty well, sitting 4th on the Conference league. 

Exeter aren't the only excited team going into the game, Sir Alex Ferguson will relish the opportunity to take them on. "With Exeter bringing 9,000 fans, it will be colourful with a lot of excitement and balloons flying about all over the place." said Ferguson.

He added: "It brings home the essence of the FA Cup. When you have a bigger quota of away fans coming to a cup tie at Old Trafford, you do get a fantastic sense of the romance of the FA Cup."

"The FA Cup is always special. For Exeter, it's a fantastic day. I just hope it's not too good!"

"They haven't got anything to lose and we have got it all to lose. But we are under that kind of pressure every week. We will not be complacent and will play with great determination. It's a fantastic day for Exeter but it's also a big day for us with 67,000 fans in the ground."

"I know what football is like. Unless you play with great urgency, determination and complete focus on the game, you can suffer an upset." the Scot admitted.

The Red Devils are set to field a similar line up that faces Chelsea soon after this clash in the Carling Cup. The big news is goalkeeper Tim Howard has this game and the Chelsea tie to prove he is now ready to replace Roy Carroll in-between the sticks, following his woeful blunder against Tottenham. "Tim will maybe play in the next two games, against Exeter and in the game on Wednesday," said Ferguson.

Phil Neville, Eric Djemba-Djemba, David Bellion, Darren Fletcher, Liam Miller and Jonathan Spector are all likely to start in a totally changed lineup. Kleberson may miss out on a first team chance with injury.

"I will probably introduce some young players on Saturday. I've got one or two coming back from injury. Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Quinton Fortune and Louis Saha are all in training. I think at least Wes Brown will ready for Saturday and, by Wednesday, hopefully the other three will be involved in the Chelsea game." added Ferguson.

ManUtdWeb Prediction - Manchester United 3 - 0 Exeter City - I hope Exeter enjoy their day and benefit financially fro the game but an upset is unlikely, but, it is the FA Cup! I expect United to win comfortably though.