Sven Goran Eriksson presided over the draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup earlier today, with the result that Sunderland will face either Tranmere Rovers or Mick McCarthy’s old club Millwall, depending on the outcome of their replayed quarter final game (to be played on Tues 16th March, ko 7.45pm, televised on Sky).
Manchester United will now play Arsenal at Villa Park, with our match taking place at Old Trafford.
Both ties take place on Sunday 4th April, with TV screening details still to be announced.
Ticketing details are still being finalised and will be posted on our ticket news page as soon as they’re available.
Arsenal won the competition last year – beating Man Utd 2-0 in the fifth round en route to the final.
Interviewed immediately after the win against Sheffield Utd, Mick McCarthy said he wasn’t bothered who our semi final opposition was – but today admitted he was pleased it wasn’t Man Utd or Arsenal.
“It’s a great tie for us. Playing Millwall or Tranmere gives you a far better chance of getting to the final than had it been Manchester United or Arsenal – and whatever one of the Nationwide teams will be in the final.
“But I approach it with caution. It’s easy to say, ‘Yes, great, we’re in the final’ – we’re not. We’ve got to beat Millwall or Tranmere and, don’t forget, Millwall have beaten us twice this season.
“There was a cheer around the place when the draw was made, of course we are happy with it. We’ll all look forward to it.”
Tranmere gaffer Brian Little said “”It’s an unbelievable feeling to see the club in the draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup and we’re absolutely delighted that we’ve got a chance.
“The fans will make people excited. You can genuinely feel there is a buzz maround the club and the players do pick up on that.”
Millwall’s Assistant Manager Ray Wilkins said “It’s a breathtaking draw – we have an opportunity to play a team from our own division with the added carrot of the Millennium Stadium at the end of it.
“It’s going to be extremely tough against Tranmere – they have an excellent cup pedigree.”
Sir Alex Ferguson said of the draw, “We were certain to get them. It’s okay.
“It’s good. It doesn’t matter when you get them. Their form has been better than Manchester United’s this year but a semi-final at Villa Park with Manchester United is a good venue for us.” Manchester United have not lost a domestic semi-final under Ferguson since he took over as United manager in 1986.
Arsenal have yet to comment on the draw. Arsene Wenger’s team are still unbeaten in 27 Premiership games so far this season.
A spokesman for Coral betting expressed disappointment with the draw, saying “A Manchester United versus Arsenal Cup Final would have smashed all previous betting records but now we are left with a cracking semi-final followed by a possible non-event. This scenario means the media can write endlessly about the romance of the FA Cup but since when did romance stimulate bets?”
Current odds make Arsenal the favourites to lift the Cup on 22nd May at 6-4, Man Utd 6-1, and Sunderland 16-1.
