Why the FA Cup will always be special to Man Utd as Brighton await

So, for all the nostalgia, what about the here and now?

As Whiteside noted, it was over 40 years ago when he was scoring against the Seagulls and those “good times” will count for nothing when Fabian Hurzeler brings his Albion team to the Theatre of Dreams, on the back of a hugely creditable 1-1 draw away to Manchester City in midweek.

There has been big change at United and interim head coach Fletcher has been handed the responsibility of leading the team again for the 16:30 GMT kick-off.

You just know it will be one he relishes, given his association with the club and deep understanding of what this competition means to us.

Beyond that, if you want to take a more pragmatic approach, it feels essential United avoid a 40-game season by falling at the first hurdle, like we did in the Carabao Cup at Grimsby Town earlier in the season.

And do not forget the prize on offer for the victors at Wembley on 16 May. In addition to the trophy and those unforgettable memories, an automatic place in next season’s UEFA Europa League is guaranteed.

With obtaining European football a priority target for this term, this should not be underestimated.

The away fans were great at Burnley in midweek and the giddiness of having Fletch at the helm in combination with an FA Cup third-round tie should make Old Trafford the place to be this weekend. 

Don’t believe what people say about 2000 – the FA Cup will always have a special place in our supporters’ hearts.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.