Wednesday evening sees Manchester United entertain Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, in the third round of the Capital One Cup.

Louis van Gaal's men face Championship side Town with both teams in the top five of their respective divisions.

United are looking to build momentum after their narrow win at Southampton on Sunday, whilst Mick McCarthy's Blues will hope to improve on a draw versus Birmingham City last Friday evening.

History between the clubs and staff

In the Premier League era, United and Ipswich have faced off ten times since 1992, both members of the original Premiership lineup, after it changed from the former Division 1.

The Red Devils have won five their of encounters whilst The Tractor Boys have won just two, with three draws. 

The last time the sides met was back in 2001 at Portman Road, when a solitary Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty snatched the points against a gutsy Ipswich, then managed by George Burley.

The omens are good for the visitors on Wednesday night however. The last time Ipswich beat United, was also in the League Cup in 1997, when the Suffolk side beat Sir Alex Ferguson's men in their own back yard.

The most famous United victory of course came in 1995, when Old Trafford saw a 9-0 demolition of Ipswich, including a Premier League record five goals from Andy Cole. A result which still stands today as the widest victory margin in the English top flight.

van Gaal and McCarthy do have history

Not only do the clubs have history, but the managers. McCarthy and Louis van Gaal met in 2002, when the then Republic of Ireland boss, beat van Gaal's Holland side 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road.

After defeating his Dutch counterpart, Mick McCarthy was 'f****** delighted to beat Louis Van Gaal' and is reportedly relishing the chance to lock horns with the Dutch tacticioner once more.

Ipswich have an attacking unit to fear

After the Tractor Boys lost in the Championship play-off semi finals to hated rivals Norwich last season, but since that disappointment, Ipswich have formed an attacking line to be feared. 

After Daryl Murphy's 27 goals last term, Ipswich have now seemingly handed the reigns to Freddie Sears, David McGoldrick and Brett Pitman, who have allotted nine goals between them this season.

Ipswich's X factor may however lie in Ryan Fraser. The winger, on-loan from Bournemouth was named Football League Player of Month last month - and is already making waves for the Scottish u21s. 

Chance for Wilson, Pereira and et el

The tie will also be the perfect stage for the likes of Andreas Pereira and James Wilson amongst others to showcase their abilities for United, as the duo continue to hover on the fringes of the first-team, with loan moves away mooted.

Ipswich's defence has at times though left a lot to be desired, including a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Reading just a few weeks ago. United's 'other' players will look to make a statement versus one of the main candidates for promotion from the Championship come next May, but will know a place in the fourth round will not come easily.

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About the author
Neil Leverett
33 year old writer living in London. Arsenal fan but all rounder, specializing in sporting analysis, in particular football.