O'Neill relishing United cup test

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will travel to Villa for their fourth meeting in the past seven seasons at that stage of the prestigious competition.

"It's incredible that we should get Manchester United again," he said. "Getting a home draw is great but I just had this wee inkling that it was going to be United once more. Don't ask me why."

He added: "It's unbelievable - and a great test for us. They obviously beat us 4-1 at Villa Park in the league less than a couple of months ago. They showed us what a fine side they are.

"This cup tie will be another epic with a full house. I will say this, though, we are better equipped now to take on Manchester United than we were in the third round last season."

Holders Chelsea were handed a home tie against QPR while 2006 winners Liverpool will travel to Luton or Nottingham Forest.

There are three other all-Barclays Premier League meetings with Tottenham hosting Reading, Wigan travelling to fellow strugglers Sunderland and Manchester City facing West Ham.

City boss Sven Goran-Eriksson admits his side will face a stern test when they travel to Upton Park on the weekend of January 5 and 6.

He said: "It could have been easier. It is a difficult tie as they are a good team. In this case you are selfish. You are looking for an easy draw.

"We have beaten them once this season (2-0 on the opening day of the season) so we will try to do so again as we want to progress in the FA Cup."