Crawley seek Matt finish

MANCHESTER United will tomorrow come face to face with a team dubbed the Manchester City of non-league football.

After writing off debts of £1.4m and investing heavily in the transfer market, the Hong Kong businessmen behind the Crawley revival will be thrilled to see their team walk out alongside mighty United for a teatime fifth-round FA Cup showdown at Old Trafford.

Crawley, second in Blue Square Bet Premier Division, shelled out £70,000 to buy Matt Tubbs from Salisbury and the striker has repaid them with 28 goals this term, including a crucial strike in Crawley’s fourth-round victory over Torquay.

Central defender Pablo Mills (from Rotherham) has been another key acquisition, while Sergio Torres became a hero with the Crawley fans when scoring a last-minute winner against Derby in round three.

As for United, Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to feature after injuring his groin in the warm–up ahead of United's defeat at Wolves a fortnight ago, although, with a Champions League trip to Marseille looming next Wednesday, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will hope the 32–year–old is not sidelined any longer.

Changes are anticipated, with goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard in line to make his Old Trafford bow.

Ferguson will send out his team with a warning, though.

The last twice United encountered non–league opposition, against Exeter in 2005 and Burton Albion 12 months later, they failed to advance at the first attempt, requiring a replay after goalless first meetings.

But following their 2-1 derby defeat of City, spirits in the United camp will be high so Crawley face a huge task to avoid a drubbing.