United and Villa to face off in cup

MANCHESTER UNITED will have to conquer a familiar foe if they hope to erase the memory of their FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea last season.

United have once again been pitted against Aston Villa in the third-round draw, the fourth time in the past seven seasons the teams have met at that stage of the competition. United have won each of the three previous meetings in 2002, 2004 and 2007.

Holders Chelsea were handed a home tie against west London neighbours QPR while Liverpool, the 2006 winners, will travel to Luton or Nottingham Forest.