Watford are set to travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup.
Recently-appointed Watford head coach Xisco Muñoz knows of the uphill battle the match will be.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose squad suffered a derby defeat midweek in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, wants to quickly put the loss behind them.
Rallying Cry From Watford Boss Ahead of FA Cup Clash Against Manchester United
Calls For Fight And Passion
One of the most notable parts of Xisco’s managerial style is his optimistic, motivational demeanour.
A draw against one of football’s giants did not change his signature style, as he said, “the most important thing is we go there and fight like animals and enjoy the situation…We go there with maximum ambition, we will work very hard and it is important to see we are growing game by game.
“This is our objective and it’s important we continue with the same attitude, work, and spirit.”
“Fight like animals” is a term Xisco uses weekly. He needs the Hornets to do so if they are to cause a shock result.
He admitted, “I know it will be difficult because Manchester United is a perfect team.
“But we need to give our best and try very hard because the most important thing is that our fans enjoy watching our team.”
Watford’s most recent triumph over Manchester United was not too long ago. When the Hornets were nine points adrift from safety in the December of 2019, they beat the Red Devils 2-0.
The reverse fixture, which came one week before Watford’s iconic victory over Liverpool, saw Manchester United get revenge with a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Xisco Believes in the Magic of the FA Cup
A mere 20 months ago, Watford were in the finals of the competition for the second time in club history.
The run to the big stage included an improbable, come-from-behind victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The odds are stacked against the Hornets once again, though Xisco’s message is clear.
“Everyone knows it’s a special competition; I’m very happy to be here and try to get us one step further because it’s very important.
“We know it’s difficult, but we will give our maximum in the next game, and we will try to get to the next step of the competition,” said the Spaniard, who won the La Liga and the UEFA Cup during his career as a player.
Potential Debut and Players Returning From Injury
Watford recently secured the signature of Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel. The 26-year-old, who scored 19 goals and assisted 24 more in 28 appearances in the Eliteserien last season, is in line to make his English debut.
The Hornets’ new number seven crucially helped FK Bodø/Glimt secure the Norwegian league title.
Former Manchester United centre-back Craig Cathcart is back in first-team training, as well as young-star and leading goal-scorer Joao Pedro. Both were sidelined with hamstring injuries. Xisco could see the match as an opportune time to reintegrate them back into the first team.
Heading to Old Trafford is never an easy task – even for the best of teams. However, Xisco is still confident the Hornets’ faithful will receive a performance to be proud of.
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