Referee Jon Moss has replaced Andre Marriner for this tie, because of injury, and he hosts the coin toss in the centre circle of a very wet Old Trafford. It's tipping it down.

Let's play.

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Sheffield United's own record in recent seasons isn't too shabby either...

Against higher-ranked opponents, the League One side have won five of their last six ties.

Louis van Gaal is pulled to one side in the tunnel by a steward. It looks like he's being asked if he's trodden on something and walked it into the carpet. Surely not.

Luke Blakeley: Feeling nervous about #MUFCvSUFC. We're a poor team out of form and anything can happen in the Cup. Hope LVG has a plan.

Old Trafford is nice and full, rocking to the a Stone Roses mix. Nice.

Image source, Manchester United

This is no ordinary match programme

It contains the biggest hint yet that Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is looking to sign players in January.

Van Gaal writes he would strengthen "if the opportunity does arise" and he and his coaches feel "something can be done".

But he adds: "I don't see January as the ideal time to do business."

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Nigel Adkins never got the chance to manage at Old Trafford during his days with Southampton.

The 50-year-old was dismissed weeks prior to the Saints visiting today's hosts in 2013 and though he admits he wishes Sir Alex Ferguson was still in the opposing dug-out,, external his excitement is evident.

"It will be a privilege to meet a coach as successful as Louis van Gaal and when I look out I'll see Sir Alex's name on the opposite stand," he says. "That's good enough for me. I'll know I have arrived then."

BBC Get Inspired has again teamed up with the Football Association to launch the 2016 FA People's Cup, a free five-a-side knock-out competition that gives the people of England the chance to play in their version of the FA Cup.

Here's the appropriately-named 'Prizehunters' lifting last year's adult men's trophy with FA Cup winner Joe Royle.

You’ve got just under a week to go to get involved. Entries – for individuals or teams – close at midnight on Friday, 15 January.

There are 10 categories from under-14 to Over-50s walking football and disability. You can find out all about it here.

Now, if you read our opening entry you will be forgiven for quickly searching for and listening to Manchester United's 1994 hit "Come on you Reds"

It reached number one in the UK charts, trouncing Chelsea's "No one can stop us now" effort which was reached 23 as the two clubs prepared for the cup final.

Image source, .

Remarkably, that is the last FA Cup song to reach number one.

So Liverpool's 'Pass and Move' and Cardiff's 'Bluebirds flying high' are just two examples of efforts which haven't cut the mustard in the years since.

What chance a tune from the Red Devils come May?

Past FA Cup history between these two sides? There is a bit.

Manchester United have played Sheffield United on four previous occasions in the FA Cup, with United the visitors in each fixture (W3 L1).

They faced each other in three successive seasons in the cup between 1993 and 1995, with the Blades beating their opponents in the first of these duels before bowing out in third round ties in each of the following campaigns.

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Even at this early stage in the competition, Manchester United will be pleased to see Premier League teams like Sunderland, Norwich, Southampton and Newcastle dropping out of the competition.

Goals from today's game will be online shortly. Just head here.

Image source, Getty Images

Louis van Gaal was at it again during his news conference this week, confusing the names of his players with the frequency of a London tube., external

After mixing up striker Will Keane with sold defender Michael Keane, he turned to the complex name of Chris Smalling, a player he has previously called Mike.

"I said to 'Mike' Smalling that I call him Pele because he had a fantastic move so it is easier to call him Pele now," said Van Gaal.

So Chris Smalling is called Pele it seems. I'm sure he'll take that all day long.

Man Utd: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson, Fellaini, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Ander Herrera, Martial, Rooney. Subs: Depay, Romero, Varela, McNair, Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Keane.

Sheff Utd: Long, Brayford, Edgar, Collins, McEveley, Coutts, Basham, Hammond, Woolford, Sammon, Sharp. Subs: Howard, Flynn, Baxter, Done, Campbell-Ryce, Reed, Adams.

Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands)

Managed by the most positive man on earth, Sheffield United may well fancy this one then.

Image source, Getty Images

Nigel Adkins could make a a stone statue smile. His zest and constantly upbeat persona will no doubt ready a team which will lap up this nothing-to-lose scenario.

"On paper we have no chance but we all know the FA Cup does not always work like that,” says Adkins.

That's the spirit Nigel. Now let's see who's got what.

Anyone remember those prolific Manchester United FA Cup finals songs in the charts in the '90s?

Image source, Getty Images

"Come on you Reds" was a 1994 classic, "We're gonna do it again" a 1995 hit.

As hard as it may be to believe, it's approaching 12 years since the Red Devils last won England's famous cup competition. Unthinkable.