FA Cup Third Round Proper
Burton Albion v Manchester United

Burton Albion have confirmed that the above game will be played at Burton's Pirelli Stadium on Sunday 8 January 2006, with a kick-off time to be confirmed with The FA.

The Staffordshire Police have confirmed the above and that the game will be on a Sunday to avoid being played on the same day as Derby County v Burnley. 

The reason being that the Burton stewards are used at Pride Park and that it would also avoid a clash with the Stoke v Tamworth fixture in Staffordshire. 

Burton Albion have never been beyond the Third Round of the FA Cup in their 55-year history.

Now the Nationwide Conference team have to beat Manchester United next month if they are to succeed where they previously failed against Charlton Athletic and Leicester City.

Albion have already hosted United, of course, but that was for the opening game of the ground and just a friendly.

Albion Chairman Ben Robinson said: “This time it will be a serious game and we want to play it here for our fans – this is the best thing that has happened to the club in our history.” 

Manager Nigel Clough is as excited as anyone, but has to remain mindful of the fact his players have a few league games and an FA Trophy clash to negotiate first.

“At the moment I am more concerned about that and our next game against Forest Green Rovers. Then it’s Worksop Town in the FA Trophy,” Clough added.

Burton first reached the Third Round when they lost 7-0 to Charlton in 1955-56. A few trips to the first round followed, but it was not until 1984/85 that they had their next taste of the big time - and a 1-0 defeat by Leicester City.

The club’s best run in the trophy ended in a semi-final 5-2 aggregate defeat by Yeovil Town in the 2001/02 season. That was a good season for Clough’s side as they also won the Unibond (Northern) Premier League title.

Now they will have all non-Manchester United fans around the country willing them to succeed and reach the FA Cup Fourth Round by beating Sir Alex Ferguson’s club.

United, last season’s runners-up to Arsenal, have reached the final 17 times and won the old trophy a record 11 times.

Be sure to check back on TheFA.com for the Kick-off time.