Manchester United will be looking to stay on course for a record-equalling 13th FA Cup triumph as they travel to Derby County for the fifth round on Thursday evening.

Derby currently sit 13th in the Championship following their 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

Match preview

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run following their 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

That result leaves United 5th in the Premier League table, a spot which could guarantee Champions League football next season due to Manchester City's two-year ban from European football.

Goalkeeper David de Gea, who was at fault for Everton's opener at the weekend, has come under increased scrutiny for his performances this season, however the Red Devils have kept an impressive six clean sheets in their last eight matches in all competitions, shipping only two goals in that time.

Solskjaer's side overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tranmere Rovers to reach the fifth round, and last tasted FA Cup glory in the 2015-16 campaign, beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the final at Wembley.

Furthermore, United have won their last eight FA Cup ties against Derby, and will be aiming to build upon their impressive run of form in front of a sell-out crowd at Pride Park.

In contrast, Phillip Cocu has seen his side's playoff hopes dwindle in recent weeks with only one win in their last five, despite enjoying a remarkable run of results during the Christmas period.

The Rams have recorded 12 wins, 12 draws and 12 losses in the league this season, and therefore it only seems appropriate that a clash with the 12-time FA Cup winners awaits them on Thursday.

Derby can only boast one FA Cup success to their name, defeating Charlton Athletic 4-1 in the final of the 1945-46 season. The Rams have not advanced further than the fifth round since the 1998-99 campaign, where they were knocked out by Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

Cocu's side recorded wins against Palace and Northampton Town to set up a clash with United, who can look forward to a reunion with all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney.

The most recent meeting between the two sides came in last season's EFL Cup third round, with then-manager Frank Lampard guiding Derby to a dramatic 8-7 penalty-shootout victory after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

Derby County FA Cup form: WDW
Derby County form (all competitions): WLDDLW

Manchester United FA Cup form: DWW
Manchester United form (all competitions): DWDWWD

Team News

Solskjaer could make a number of changes to the United side with Sunday's derby against Manchester City in mind.

United have been handed a boost with the fitness of Axel Tuanzebe and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, both of whom could come back into contention for Thursday's fixture.

However, it is still too soon for midfielder Paul Pogba to return to first-team action, but Daniel James should be back in the frame after missing out at the weekend with a knock.

Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Odion Ighalo could all be pushing for starts should Solskjaer decide to rest some of his key players ahead of the Manchester derby.

Derby's Rooney will almost certainly start against his former club, as should Tom Lawrence, who made only one appearance for the Red Devils during his time at Old Trafford.

Former Arsenal man Krystian Bielik remains out, as do Tom Huddlestone and Duane Holmes. Long-term absentee Ikechi Anya returned to the Under-23s in February, but is unlikely to be involved in midweek.

Cocu could call upon experienced defender Curtis Davies for the United clash, with the 34-year-old coming on for the final 32 minutes of Derby's victory over Wednesday at the weekend.

Derby County possible starting lineup:
Roos; Bogle, Davies, Wisdom, Forsyth; Bird, Shinnie, Knight, Rooney, Lawrence; Martin

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Romero; Dalot, Bailly, Maguire, Williams; McTominay, Fred, Mata, Lingard, James; Ighalo

We say: Derby County 1-2 Manchester United

There is no doubt that Rooney will be motivated to pull off an upset against a weakened United side, and the striker should hope to see that energy rub off onto his teammates. Nevertheless, the Red Devils are expected to have too much quality for Cocu's side and we're going for a narrow victory for Solskjaer's men.