Winning the FA Cup could buy time for Louis van Gaal to succeed at Manchester United, says former England striker Alan Shearer.

Van Gaal, 64, has faced criticism as United have struggled in the Premier League and failed to reach the Champions League knockout stage.

But his side reached the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-1 win at Derby.

"When Arsenal won the FA Cup it kept them going and gave Arsene Wenger a bit of time," said Shearer.

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Arsenal manager Wenger was heavily criticised by some Gunners supporters before ending a nine-year trophy drought by winning the 2014 FA Cup.

The Frenchman admitted in the build-up to the following season that success had "lifted the pressure", with his team going on to retain the trophy by beating Aston Villa at Wembley last May.

Wenger's team are now challenging for the Premier League title, and BBC Sport analyst Shearer believes winning the FA Cup could also have a positive effect for both Van Gaal and United.

"Without this competition you could imagine the calls that Wenger would be having to answer," said Shearer, 45. "It's a similar situation now for Manchester United."

If you want to join Mark and stay across the tennis this morning - point yourself to this page here...

Look away now Burnley fans...

Arsenal have won their last five FA Cup ties against the Clarets, scoring 16 and conceding just once. 

The one goal Burnley did score was in their biggest FA Cup loss since 1896 (Burnley 1-7 Arsenal in 1937).

The Gunners have lost just one of their 40 FA Cup games against lower league opposition under Arsene Wenger’s management (W31 D8).

BBC Radio 5 Live

"I was cooked lunch by Kolo Toure's mum. I was friends with Didier Drogba's cousin who I worked with on the trains."

What a start to the day that is on the Danny Baker show.

Can anyone else top that? We are after an encounter with a footballer's mum. Tweet us at #bbcfootball, externalor text us on 81111 from UK mobiles - don't forget to include your name.

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Lady Dobbo: Sales of cardboard, ribbons & tinfoil rocket

Let us know what your plans are for this FA Cup day out - tweet us at #bbcfacup, external.

Manchester United relieved the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal by beating Derby in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.

Van Gaal dismissed claims he offered to resign after losing to Southampton on Saturday, and his team were more positive against the Championship side.

Wayne Rooney curled in from 20 yards to put United ahead before George Thorne cut through their defence to equalise.

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Daley Blind then finished low into the net from Jesse Lingard's cross before Juan Mata sealed victory late on.

Derby, who have not won a league game in 2016 and are fifth in the Championship, caused problems towards the end of the first half when Thorne latched on to Chris Martin's delightful through ball.

But that aside, it was a confidence-boosting win for Van Gaal's team who, after a winless December, have lost once in January and registered a two-goal victory for the first time in 15 matches.

If you missed anything - catch the highlights here.

Conor McNamara
BBC Radio 5 live commentator

He's a clever boy, our Conor...

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The team that can only win in the cup, a South coast reunion, a Cup shock history retold...

BBC Sport takes a look at some of the potential big stories in the FA Cup this weekend.

Read more here.

BBC Radio 5 Live

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The Danny Baker show is under way on BBC Radio 5 live and, as usual, we are working with them to get you involved.

The topic we want your thoughts on is: Encounters With Footballers' Mums...(or Dads at a pinch....).

What could possibly go wrong with this one?!

Tweet #bbcfootball or text 81111.

You can listen at the top of the page. They are talking about pub quizzes at the moment...

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Inverness Caledonian Thistle's Scottish Premiership match against Hearts has been called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

The Highland club confirmed that the prospect of further poor weather also contributed to the decision.

In the Championship, Dumbarton will hold a 10:00 GMT inspection ahead of their game with Livingston.

Cowdenbeath v Forfar, Berwick Rangers v Queen's Park and East Fife v Clyde will also have morning inspections.

For the latest on weather-related games in Scotland click here.

You can have your say on where you think the upsets will happen this weekend.

Vote on this page, Terms and conditions here, and we will publish the results soon after it closes after 12:30 GMT.

We have an action-packed day of FA Cup football ahead. Here are the fixtures... (15:00 GMT kick-off unless stated)

Colchester v Tottenham (12:45 GMT)

Arsenal v Burnley 

Aston Villa v Manchester City

Bolton v Leeds

Bury v Hull 

Crystal Palace v Stoke 

Nottm Forest v Watford 

Oxford Utd v Blackburn 

Portsmouth v Bournemouth

Reading v Walsall 

Shrewsbury v Sheff Wed 

West Brom v Peterborough 

Liverpool v West Ham (17:30) 

You can imagine that breakfast time at the Van Gaal residence was an altogether sunnier proposition this morning.

No stern words, sulky glances or strained exchanges across the table, just plenty of OJ and coffee and a smile while flicking through the back pages.

That's what a win can do for you - and Manchester United booked their place in round five of the FA Cup with a comprehensive, comfortable and clinical win at Derby last night in front of the cameras.

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Job done - but who will be joining Louis in round five?

Today 10 Premier League sides join the hunt. Let's see who will make it through...