‘Magical day’ for Yeovil after landing United clash

Yeovil Town have been given a wonderful opportunity to try to knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup after they were drawn at home to Jose Mourinho’s side.

Darren Way’s team, who are battling against relegation in League Two, are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, having knocked Bradford City out in the previous round, and could not have asked for a better draw. Although it is only the fourth time in the club’s history they have reached round four, it will be the second time in the space of just three years that Yeovil have faced Manchester United. They lost 2-0 to United in 2015.

“I don’t think I could pick anyone better,” said Yeovil manager Way. “It was an extraordinary achievement to get to the fourth round and to get Manchester United is a special moment. I want everyone to enjoy it and embrace the fantastic challenge. The players and supporters deserve it. It’s going to be a magical day.”

There was another plum tie for a second League Two club, as Newport County, who shocked Leeds United in the third round, were drawn at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Newport manager Michael Flynn, who has done an excellent job in South Wales since saving the club from relegation last season, said: “It’s a massive achievement for the whole football club and we can’t wait for the game already.

“The players have worked so hard to get to this stage and this is a reward for them for all the toil they’ve put in so far this season.

“For them to play against guys like Harry Kane and Dele Alli will be amazing, but I hope Tottenham rest one or two. It’s huge for the whole city. It’s going to be packed out again at Rodney Parade and, financially, hopefully it will be a big one for the club.

Both games are likely to be chosen for live television coverage, with the prospect of a famous giant- killing act already fuelling talk of the romance of the FA Cup.

Favourites Manchester City will have to wait for a replay between Cardiff City and Mansfield Town next week before they learn who their opponents are, away from home, in the next round.

There was less good fortune for Nottingham Forest, who knocked out Arsenal, and Coventry City who beat Stoke City. Forest, who have appointed former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka as their new manager, will travel to fellow Championship side Hull City, while Coventry have a tricky away game against MK Dons.

Fourth-round ties will take place across the weekend of Jan 26-29, with winning clubs receiving £90,000 from the Emirates FA Cup prize fund.