Manchester United begin their FA Cup campaign with a they-must-really-win-this third round match against Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Having drawn a home game against a team in League One, two divisions below the English Premier League, this should be a game that shouldn't hold too many problems for Manchester United. But then, going by the way this season has rumbled for Manchester United, it might not be so cut and dry.

Also Read

Scoring goals has been the major problem for Louis Van Gaal's men, and there have been very few signs suggesting that is about to change. While Manchester United put in improved performances against Chelsea and Swansea City, the fact that they have scored just 24 goals in 20 Premier League games this season, means there is a decent chance of this FA Cup third round tie being close.

If Sheffield United stay compact and avoid conceding in the first half an hour or so of the game, those chants of "attack, attack, attack" will come from the Old Trafford faithful, which in turn will put more pressure on the players, leading to possible mistakes. And, if Sheffield United capitalise on those mistakes, there might just be a cupset.

That remains the lesser likely scenario, though, because Manchester United have the squad and players to not just boss the FA Cup tie, but put it to bed within the first half an hour against a side that are eighth in League One. The fact that they haven't shown that attacking intent often enough under Louis Van Gaal remains the problem.

Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins, knowing those issues with his opponents and fully aware of the nature of cup ties, is hopeful of a major upset. "We are going to the Theatre of Dreams, so why can't we dream? If you can't enjoy a challenge like Manchester United, what can you look forward to? I must admit I gulped at first when the draw was made, but then I thought no, it's a great draw," Adkins was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"The players will enjoy it, the supporters deserve it, the club will benefit financially. I wouldn't dare make changes. All the players want to play for a start, and I wouldn't like to short-change the fans because Old Trafford tickets aren't cheap. We are taking around 8,500 and we are all going to enjoy it because there's no pressure for a change.

"In our division we are the scalp, the big club everyone raises their game against. This is fifth in the Premier League versus eighth in League One. A massive gulf. On paper we have no chance but we all know the FA Cup does not always work like that."

Where to Watch Live

Manchester United vs Sheffield United is scheduled for an 11 pm GMT (5.30 pm GMT, 12.30 pm ET) start. Sony Six and Sony Six HD will broadcast the match live in India, with the online live streaming option on Sonyliv.

BT Sport is the place to be to watch the FA Cup third round tie in the UK, with the live stream option on Watch BT Sport. Australia viewers can watch the FA Cup match live on ESPN and ESPN Player.

Viewers in the US can watch Manchester United vs Sheffield United live on Fox Sports 1, while the action can also be live streamed on FoxSoccer2Go. Sportsnet World and Watch Sportsnet are the choices to watch the FA Cup game live in Canada.

Bein Sports will broadcast the FA Cup third round clash live in the Middle East and North Africa, with the live streaming option on Bein Sports Connect. Eleven will show the match live in Singapore, while LeTV will do the same for viewers in China and Hong Kong.