Manchester United’s FA Cup draw extends fascinating Old Trafford statistic

With Manchester United’s home-tie against West Ham in the FA Cup now announced, it has kept up a record dating back almost two years.

The 21st of March 2021, a 3-1 defeat to Leicester City, inside an empty stadium. That date not only marked the end of United’s FA Cup pursuit for that season, but also marks the last time Manchester United football club last played a team away from home in a one-legged knockout stage of either the FA Cup or Carabao Cup.

In the time since, United have had eight cup draws across the two competitions, with each of them seeing the Red Devils drawn at home.

Monday evening’s FA Cup draw against West Ham brings the number up to nine, continuing a bizarre run of games which has its pros and cons.

For a large percentage of the Manchester United fanbase news of another home draw will be welcomed, with the club losing just twice at home in all competitions this season.

After 17 home games played, Erik ten Hag’s United squad have only tasted defeat against Brighton and Real Sociedad, as well as dropping points in a stale 0-0 draw against Newcastle, thus amounting to an 82% home win percentage this season.

Despite this, some United fans will be aggravated over news of yet another home draw.

On one front, United’s away support is held in high regard, and yet thanks to the effects of the pandemic, as well as the constant home ties in the early stages, the club’s fans have not had an away trip from a non-two-legged cup draw in nearly three years.

The last time United secured an away draw with away fans in attendance was against Derby County in March of 2020.

Whilst not an away draw, Manchester United fans should look forward to a potential ‘away’ trip to Wembley, should the side be successful in seeing off Nottingham Forest on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils will enter the game with a three-goal lead from the first leg, however will be without star midfielder Christian Eriksen following his injury diagnosis after the blow he suffered against Reading last Saturday.