Van Persie, Shaw available for Manchester United's FA Cup tie

Van Persie, Shaw available for Manchester United's FA Cup tie

Published Jan. 22, 2015 9:52 a.m. ET

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says forward Robin van Persie and full-back Luke Shaw are available for Friday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Cambridge.

However, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Ashley Young will miss out while van Gaal refused to confirm reports suggesting Victor Valdes is set to make his debut in goal.

Shaw and van Persie sat out last Saturday's 2-0 win at QPR but could return on Friday, although van Gaal will assess the players in training first.

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"We have to wait until training but Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are out for sure," said the Dutchman. 

"Robin van Persie is available, Luke Shaw is also available."

Regarding the possibility of former Barcelona man Valdes making his debut, van Gaal added: "I find it unbelievable how the media can write that.

"I don't want to say anything about my line-up until three quarters of an hour before the game."

Van Gaal says he is expecting a "special atmosphere" for the tie at the Abbey Stadium, against a League Two side who have won their last three matches.

"We have to be alert to play against them," he said. "I have to analyse training, the gameplan and who is the most suitable choice.

"The FA Cup is very important for fans and players. Attendances are much higher here than in Germany or Spain."

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