Plymouth Argyle knocked out Liverpool in the FA Cup and their manager is more than open to facing Manchester United next – with goalscorer Ryan Hardie desperate to play the Premier League giants
Plymouth Argyle boss Miron Muslic said Manchester United are “more than welcome” at Home Park as the Championship side eye another FA Cup scalp.
The Championship’s bottom team have endured a difficult season but have enjoyed some memorable days in the cup. On Sunday they enjoyed one of their greatest days as they knocked Premier League leaders Liverpool out in the fourth round.
In the third round they overcame Brentford in west London and now want to add another top flight side to their list of giant killings. The Red Devils remain in the draw for the fifth round after they produced a late winner to see off Leicester City on Friday night.
United are the current holders after they stunned Manchester City at Wembley last season and Muslic is more than willing to see his Plymouth side take on whoever before being quizzed on a showdown with the Red Devils.
Asked on who he wants in the next round he said: “I don’t care, anyone.” The new manager was then questioned about the Manchester outfit heading to Devon and said with a smile: “They are more than welcome”.
One man who does want the Red Devils in the next round in Sunday’s match winner Ryan Hardie. The forward scored from the spot in the second-half to see off Liverpool and now wants to face another of England’s giants at Home Park.
Hardie said: “I want Manchester United. Bring them here. This day will be cemented in this club’s history, in this city’s history. It’s something we will never forget. When you start your career these are the days you dream of.”
Sunday’s win was a moment of salvation Hardie, who missed an extra time penalty at Chelsea three years ago to take a fourth round tie to a shoot-out, and he admitted that moment was on his mind, but was determined to right those wrongs
He said: “I did think about the Chelsea penalty. I was thinking: ‘what happens if the same things happens again?’ But I wanted to take this one and get it off my back. I’m more than happy with that. It’s a great day for the club and all the fans.”
The FA Cup has already opened up with some of the major names of English football already out. 24 hours before Liverpool’s loss Chelsea were beaten at Brighton. In the third round Arsenal lost a penalty shootout to the Red Devils at the Emirates.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
