Juan Mata says Manchester United must avoid FA Cup upset

IANS
Mata cautions United about lower league sides

London, Jan 26 (IANS): Juan Mata Monday warned Manchester United not to go the same way as FA Cup casualties Manchester CIty and Chelsea. City and Chelsea were the two most high-profile sides to exit the famous competition at the weekend, losing to lower league opposition, reports mirror.co.uk.

United were held to a 0-0 draw by Cambridge United last Friday and must now replay against the League Two side at the Old Trafford for a place in the fifth round.

"As you know, last Friday we drew in Cambridge in the FA Cup," said Mata, writing on his official blog.

"It was a very physical game, played in tricky conditions, and now there will be a replay at home to try to get to the next round."

The 26-year-old Mata, who just celebrated a year at United following his 37.5 million pounds move from Chelsea, was rested for the Cambridge game, along with skipper Wayne Rooney.

But, the Spaniard admitted City and Chelsea's FA Cup exits were a wake-up call to United not to underestimate Cambridge when the two sides meet again.

"On paper, it may seem easy to beat a team of a lower division. It is not. We just have to take the example of last Saturday, with two big clubs being knocked out at home," he said.

"It reminds us that the FA Cup is full of surprises. Also, it should be a warning sign for us ahead of our replay."

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