Arsenal next for manchester United in last eight of FA Cup

Manchester United’s reward for surviving a major scare at Preston last night is a mouthwatering FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The draw took place shortly before kick-off at Deepdale, with the balls selected by England manager Roy Hodgson and Brian Finney, son of the late, great Preston winger Tom Finney.

The draw gave both side a tantalising pre-match incentive, a chance to depose holders Arsenal.

United eventually obliged and will now look to maintain their impressive home record against Arsene Wenger’s side in the last eight.

Liverpool’s hopes of reaching Wembley on the occasion of the departing Steven Gerrard’s 35th birthday were also boosted as they were drawn to face Championship side Blackburn at Anfield.

Giant-killers Bradford, fresh from ousting top-flight opponents Sunderland and Chelsea, avoided Premier League opponents this time and will instead take on second-tier Reading at Valley Parade.

That pairing ensures at least one Football League side will make it to the final four of the competition.

The remaining quarter-final pitted midlands neighbours Aston Villa and West Brom against each other, with Villa at home.

There will be no repeat of the controversy surrounding the decision not to show Bradford’s defeat of Sunderland on television, with all four games being broadcast live by BBC or BT Sport.

As lead broadcaster the BBC have first and third picks, with BT choosing second and fourth.

FA CUP QUARTER-FINAL  DRAW

Ties to be played March 7 and 8.

Liverpool v Blackburn, Bradford v Reading, Manchester United v Arsenal, Aston Villa v West Brom.