Score and latest updates from the FA Cup Third Round

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by Tom Ward

The third round of the FA Cup is upon us, and whether you love it or hate it, this is football’s oldest current competition and as such still deserves its corner of the British football calendar.

Third round shocks are really what keeps people coming back for more, but those will have to wait until the weekend, when two Premier League teams – Manchester United and Everton – raise the curtain this year.

These two players have precedent in the FA Cup, having been in the final twice. The first was in 1985, when Norman Whiteside’s extra-time goal gave United a 1-0 victory, before Everton avenged that defeat ten years later, beating Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 1-0 thanks to a first-half Paul Raidout goal.

The glories of yesteryear have somewhat faded for both sides, particularly Everton, who entered this tie under as dark a cloud as you can imagine.

Frank Lampard’s side, winless in their last seven games in all competitions, quickly lost any feel-good factor after being held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City on New Year’s Eve with a poor performance in the 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton.

To say Lampard is struggling to keep his job would be an understatement, with reports even suggesting that the dye may already have been poured as Lampard’s support from owner Farhad Moshiri is waning.

What is certain is that a massive loss this evening would seriously jeopardize Lampard’s job – the shame for him is that tonight he is the face of arguably the perfect team in the country.

As others grab the media spotlight, Manchester United are teetering under Erik ten Hag. Since losing to Aston Villa on November 6, United have run six successive victories – including three convincing Premier League victories after Christmas.

Marcus Rashford is on the fly and Ten Hag appears to have landed a defensive position that has yielded results, scoring seven goals and not conceding since resumption.

Talk of a title charge may be a bit premature, but this competition should be very high on the Dutchman’s agenda as he looks to secure some silverware in his first season at Old Trafford.

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