The current FA Cup champions, Arsenal, travel to Old Trafford in search of a victory there for the first time since 2006 in all competitions. On that day, Emmanuel Adebayor's late goal proved to be decisive and secured Arsenal a precious 1-0 victory against bitter rivals Manchester United. Many years have passed since then, in fact the Gunners have since visited Old Trafford ten times, drawing once and losing the remaining nine, quite the disheartening statistic.

Arsene Wenger will be keen to see his side overturn this dismal run of form and book their place at Wembley for the second year running - albeit only for the semi-final. However it won’t be an easy task, as the FA Cup represents only real possibility of silverware this season for both sides.

When the two teams clashed at the Emirates earlier in the season, Manchester United were somewhat fortunate to come away with all three points. Despite enjoying more possession and having considerably more attacking opportunities, Arsenal fell behind due to a Kieren Gibbs own-goal and from then on, were unable to find a way back into the game.

Rooney then seemingly killed the game, finishing off a swift counter-attack after Arsenal were pressing for a dramatic equaliser. Although Olivier Giroud’s sparkling strike gave something for Arsenal fans to cheer on what was a depressing November night.

History:

The old rivals have a bitter history in this competition. One of the most iconic FA Cup finals was played out between these two sides in 2005. In front of a packed Millennium Stadium, Manchester United battered Arsenal to the ground, but Ruud van Nistelrooy did not have his shooting boots on and squandered a number of opportunities. For the first time ever, the FA Cup final was to be decided by penalties. Arsenal’s captain at the time, Patrick Vieira, stepped up and scored the winning spot-kick with his last kick in an Arsenal shirt. A truly fitting send off for a north-London legend.

There was also the thrilling semi-final replay in 1999 at Villa Park. The game was in the balance at 1-1, with goals from David Beckham and Denis Bergkamp. With regulation time winding down, Bergkamp broke free once again and split the United defence to leave Anelka one-on-one with Schmeichel. The Frenchman slotted the ball home and turned to celebrate only for referee, David Elleray, to disallow the goal for offside.

In the heat of Arsenal's complaints, Roy Keane was dismissed for his second bookable offence.

Just as everyone had accepted the game would end level, Phil Neville made a rash challenge on Ray Parlour as the midfielder broke into the box leaving David Elleray no option but to point to the spot.

But as Dennis Bergkamp dreamt of his first Wembley final, Peter Schmeichel dived to his left to push away the goal which could have fulfilled the Dutchman's boyhood dreams had it hit the back of the net.

Extra-time was underway and Arsenal were taking advantage of their man advantage as they searched for a winner.

However it was Manchester United and Ryan Giggs that had the last laugh. The Welsh wizard raced in between Arsenal’s four defenders and smashed the ball past a helpless David Seaman.

Earlier this week, Arsene Wenger admitted that he is still “haunted” by that goal, and can still hear the United team’s cheers.

Injury news:

Striker Robin van Persie will miss the quarter-final clash against his former club due to an ankle injury. Jonny Evans will also be missing from United’s squad after he was banned for six matches for spitting at Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse.

January signing Gabriel, who impressed on his Premier League debut against Everton, will be unavailable for the tie as he was ruled out for two to three weeks with a hamstring injury. However Wojciech Szczesny (illness) and Nacho Monreal (back) could return for the Gunners after missing the 2-1 victory over QPR in midweek.

Provisional squads:

Manchester United: De Gea, Lindegaard, Valdes, Shaw, Blackett, Rojo, Smalling, Jones, McNair, Rafael, Pereira, Young, Blind, Fellaini, Herrera, Valencia, Januzaj, Di Maria, Mata, Falcao, Rooney, Wilson.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Bellerin, Coquelin, Cazorla, Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud, Ospina, Welbeck, Monreal, Rosicky, Akpom, Chambers, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Flamini.