The FA Cup fourth-round fixtures have been revealed, with defending champions Manchester United set to welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford. This match brings an intriguing storyline as Leicester City’s manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, returns to face his former club.
Van Nistelrooy, a legendary striker for United from 2001 to 2006, scored a crucial goal in the club’s 2004 FA Cup final win against Millwall.
Since retiring, he has embarked on a managerial career and now leads Leicester City, who are currently battling to escape the Premier League relegation zone.
Van Nistelrooy’s ties to United remain strong, having worked briefly as Erik ten Hag’s assistant earlier this season before taking charge at Leicester following Ruben Amorim’s appointment at United.
In their last FA Cup outing, United triumphed over Arsenal in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 1-1 draw, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men due to Diogo Dalot’s red card.
Elsewhere in the fourth round, Premier League leaders Liverpool will face Championship bottom club Plymouth, who stunned Brentford with a 1-0 victory.
Manchester City await the winner of the Leyton Orient versus Derby County clash, while Chelsea will visit Brighton in a tough Premier League matchup.
Other notable ties include Aston Villa hosting Tottenham, Newcastle traveling to Birmingham, and Burnley facing Southampton. The ties will take place between February 7 and 10.
FA Cup fourth round fixtures:
- Manchester United v Leicester
- Leeds v Millwall or Dagenham
- Brighton v Chelsea
- Preston or Charlton v Wycombe
- Exeter v Nottingham Forest
- Coventry v Ipswich
- Blackburn v Wolves
- Mansfield or Wigan v Fulham
- Birmingham v Newcastle
- Plymouth v Liverpool
- Everton v Bournemouth
- Aston Villa v Tottenham
- Southampton or Swansea v Burnley
- Leyton Orient or Derby v Manchester City
- Doncaster v Crystal Palace
- Stoke v Cardiff
— Ties to be played from February 7-10
