Juan Mata expects tough test from Ipswich in Capital One Cup
Juan Mata is sure Ipswich will provide Manchester United with a stiff test in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
United moved up to second in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Southampton.
Confidence is riding high at Old Trafford following their successful start to the campaign, but after losing 4-0 to MK Dons in last season's second round, United will take nothing for granted.
"On Wednesday we start in the Capital One Cup against Ipswich Town. They are a historic team in English football and I'm sure it won't be an easy game for us," the United playmaker said of the Tractor Boys, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup under Bobby Robson as well as the league in 1962.
"After that we play against Sunderland, they need the points and they will come to Old Trafford trying to win. We hope to play good and be successful in both games. It would be a joy for everybody."
Mick McCarthy has already registered one upset against Louis Van Gaal, although it did come 14 years ago and the pair were in charge of very different teams.
McCarthy, then in charge of the Republic of Ireland, ended Van Gaal's hopes of guiding Holland to the 2002 World Cup with a 1-0 win at Lansdowne Road in September 2001.
"I am not even sure I really remember it, (but yes) that was a great day for me and Ireland, we got in the play-offs and won that against Iran so ended up in the World Cup which was brilliant," said McCarthy.
"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.
"Then of course I go and get the hump about it. At the time I was probably an angrier younger man. I was annoyed because of the suggestion we were just going to get turned over by this great Dutch side, but that didn't happen."
Van Gaal looks set to ring the changes for the tie with Andreas Pereira, James Wilson and Jesse Lingard in contention, although the latter two played 90 minutes of an Under-21 win over Everton on Monday night.
Left-back Luke Shaw (broken leg) is out, but centre-back Phil Jones has returned to training following a bout of thrombosis in his leg.
Ipswich will check on the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Dean Gerken ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
Gerken picked up a minor groin and shin problem when making a clearance during the 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw against Birmingham on Friday night.
Midfielder Ryan Fraser has recovered from an ankle knock, and Kevin Bru is also expected to be available for selection.
Teddy Bishop, though, will not be risked as he continues rehabilitation from a hamstring problem.
Source: PAR
