'Red Rebels' To Play Maiden FA Cup Match

Source: Sky News

Enda Brady, Sky reporter, in Manchester
A football club created by disillusioned Manchester United fans is tonight playing its maiden game in the FA Cup - just five years after its birth.

FC United, or the so-called Rebel Reds, were formed as a protest against the Glazer family's debt-laden reign at Old Trafford.

They are taking 4,000 fans for tonight's milestone away match against Rochdale.

With three promotions to their credit in five years, they are confident of causing an upset.

Manager Karl Marginson told Sky News Online: "This club is unique because it was formed by fans and it is run by fans.

There's a pride amongst our lads that money can't buy.

Manager Karl Marginson

"Nobody expected us to beat Barrow in the last round but we kept believing and here we are.

"Rochdale are a League One side and their manager is extremely capable, so we know we are in for a game, but we will go out and do our best.

"There's a pride amongst our lads that money can't buy."

FC United's run to the first round of the FA Cup is worth tens of thousands of pounds, especially since tonight's match is being televised.

FC United, formed by disillusioned Manchester United fans, has reached the FA Cup.

'We kept believing': manager Karl Marginson says the club is run by fans

"It's cash that will be put to good use because we have very ambitious plans here," added Marginson.

"We currently pay rent to Bury for the use of Gigg Lane on matchdays, but we want our own ground.

"When we get that up and running we can really kick on and make a name for our club."

A planned 5,000-seater stadium in Newton Heath - home to the side that gave the world Manchester United - will cost £3.5m.