FC United aim to make another piece of history by reaching the FA Cup second round by beating Rochdale at Spotland tonight – but a far more important battle will take place at Manchester Town Hall on November 25.

A football club formed by disenchanted Manchester United supporters following Malcolm Glazer’s takeover plays its first competitive game today.

Fledgling North West Counties Division Two outfit FC United will begin life with an away fixture at Leek CSOB on Saturday, August 13.