Mick McCarthy eyes another Louis van Gaal upset

Ipswich are away to Manchester United in the Capital One Cup tomorrow but the former Republic of Ireland captain and manager is once more preparing to field an under-strength side at the Theatre of Dreams.

The same can’t be said for Van Gaal’s reaction to Rojo’s injury, sustained in the weekend’s victory against Southampton, which the defender had hidden from him.

Rumors and discord are running rife around the team, with Cristiano Ronaldo believed to be a target for the Reds again, although sources have alleged the striker would prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain to a return to Manchester United, where he played for six years. The side have won 3 of their last 4 games at Old Trafford in all competitions and Manchester United have lost 1 of their last 9 games in front of their own fans.

Referee: Wiltshire’s Simon Hooper is a Football League official who took charge of his first Premier League game in August, when his decision to disallow Cameron Jerome’s “goal” for Norwich City against Crystal Palace was hotly contested.

Hard-working, versatile and a resourceful presence in attack and defence, Jesse Lingard has already featured under Van Gaal in friendlies and competitive fixtures on the wing, as a wing-back and even as an attacker or midfielder.

David Moyes’ first signing as United manager spent last season out on loan at Real Madrid Castilla, playing 33 games for Zinedine Zidane’s side.

Van Gaal’s current right-back options compared.

“Unfortunately for Louis one of you (media) will have asked him “do you think Mick McCarthy’s job will be under pressure if they lose?’ And he will have said ‘well if we win, it probably will because they will be out of the World Cup”, so he will have just answered it honestly. Those that don’t play will be told “get promoted, then you can play against them twice next season in the league”.

“It is one of the best clubs in the world with an fantastic stadium to play at”.

Powell is another player with Championship experience in need of an opportunity.

That looks a very good result, but Louis Van Gaal wants to erase one painful memory from his first season at Old Trafford when Manchester United were humiliated by the MK Dons in the League Cup Second Round.

“It will be a massive thing for the town, the club and the players”.