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Live Coverage: Louis van Gaal's weekly Manchester United press conference

Follow Sports Mole's live coverage of Louis van Gaal's pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Cambridge United.
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Louis van Gaal has insisted that his Manchester United side are preparing to face Cambridge United like any other side ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round tie tomorrow.

Luke Shaw and Robin van Persie are back in the squad, but Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young miss out.

Read what else the manager discussed below:


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Good afternoon! Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will speak to reporters shortly as he prepares to take his side to League Two's Cambridge United tomorrow.

The Dutchman has certainly had time to familiarise himself with the prospect of facing lower league opposition in cup competitions since taking up his role at Old Trafford. The team was knocked out of the League Cup by MK Dons earlier in the season, and faced another League One side, Yeovil Town in round three of this competition.

Ahead of his press conference, Van Gaal has told the club's TV channel that Ashley Young, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling will all miss the game, but Luke Shaw and Robin van Persie will be available.

Man Utd head into this match off the back of a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, which has left them fourth in the Premier League table.

We'll have live commentaries from a number of this weekend's fixtures, including this one, which is the first match taking place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Right then, it looks like Van Gaal is keen to get going, so let's see what the manager has to say...

There has been some speculation ahead of this match that recently-signed goalkeeper Victor Valdes could make his debut. However, the manager says: "I don't want to say anything about my lineup until just before the game. I have to analyse training, the gameplan and who is the most suitable choice for our next opponents."

Van Gaal tells reports that the balance of the team will be key: "We have played the 4-4-2 diamond shape for five or six games and we have created a lot of chances, but we have also conceded a few goals against is and that it the balance of the team. At this moment, I am strict on our philosophy. Everyone has to perform in that philosophy."

Van Gaal is asked about the opposition, and he says: "I have seen the capacity of the stadium, nearly 10,000 fans can watch the game. The crowd is good and I hope we can beat them. They are in good share though, as they have won their last three matches. They have also bought new players, so we have to be alert against such teams."

On the prospect of facing a League Two side, Van Gaal adds: "For me there is no change, we prepare for Cambridge like we prepared for QPR. In our mind we might believe we are playing a weaker opponent, but still we have to beat them."

Van Gaal is asked what the difference is between cup competitions in England and in other countries where he has managed: "It is more important for the fans here. That is the difference. The attendances are much higher."

Well that's all from a fairly brief Van Gaal today. So, make sure you join us again tomorrow evening to see whether Manchester United can become the first team into the fifth round of the FA Cup. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.

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Manager Louis van Gaal of Manchester United looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane on December 28, 2014
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