Slaven Bilic Wary Of Manchester United Backlash

13 April 2016 03:30

Slaven Bilic is wary of a Manchester United backlash when his West Ham side meet the Red Devils in an FA Cup quarter-final replay on Wednesday night.

Louis van Gaal's team are the visitors for the last-ever cup tie to be played at Upton Park before the Hammers make a summer switch to the Olympic Stadium - and they travel back to London just days after being thrashed 3-0 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

That defeat leaves United's Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance as they sit fifth in the Barclays Premier League, just a point and a place above their hosts on Wednesday.

But Bilic, looking to take West Ham into a Wembley semi-final against another of his former clubs in Everton, knows United can turn on the style at the drop of a hat and is not taking anything for granted.

"Yes, but they can get that fear factor back during the game," the West Ham boss replied when asked if United had lost their fear factor.

"Your players who came out as the favourites, expecting from what they read that (United) have lost their fear factor, then your players, after 20 minutes, are in a kind of shock because you see them switching sides, you see them keeping the ball, you see them very comfortable. So they can get it back in no time.

"To get it back on paper you need a good run, you need five games, you need big wins against big clubs, to get it back before the game.

"But during the game, they can get it back like this. And they have done it so far. What worries me a little bit is that every time they were there, they got a result. Whether against Liverpool at the beginning of the season, or against Arsenal, every time.

"So make no mistake. We know that. Of course we are not going to make our players be afraid of them, no. But respect them.

"We know who is coming. They are capable, of course they are capable. They have played hundreds of games like we are going to face tomorrow night, those players."

Wayne Rooney could be involved for United having played over an hour for the under-21s on Monday night, with Louis van Gaal hinting his skipper may be in contention for the replay if he came through that outing unscathed.

Given their inconsistent league form, winning a cup competition may be United's best hope of success at the moment and midfielder Ander Herrera believes a cup run is more about desire than form.

"The FA Cup is a big competition. It's very emotional," the 26-year-old Spaniard said.

"In the Premier League you show your balance (in terms of consistency over a season) but in the cup you show your spirit and your desire to win.

"If we beat West Ham we'll have the chance to play at Wembley, which is a fantastic stadium.

"I have a lot of things in mind about being there and we have a big chance to be there - but of course West Ham away is not easy."

Source: PA-WIRE