With Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Cambridge United at Old Trafford, Manchester United have progressed to the 5th round of the FA Cup – the round of 16. That they needed a replay to defeat the lowest-ranked team left at this stage probably prompted some to believe that this team still needs time to develop under Louis van Gaal. After the underdogs hit the post inside the first minute, how many fans were thinking this might turn out to be worse than the disaster against Milton Keynes Dons?

Now, with Cambridge behind them, the Red Devils find themselves having advanced further in this season’s Cup than the current top two in the Premier League. In recent years, United have developed a mini-trend in terms of performance…

2014: Third round (when all EPL & Championship clubs enter the competition)
2013: Quarterfinals (lost in replay)
2012: Fourth round
2011: Semifinals
2010: Third round
2009: Semifinals

Should that pattern continue, the Red Devils would be poised for a big run in 2015, perhaps even their first Cup triumph in 11 years. Up next, though, is a trip to Preston North End. All of the draws so far have pitted United on the road against a team outside the Premier League and the Championship. Preston North End’s significance is not lost on United fans; David Beckham gained valuable first-team experience at the club. With less than two weeks before the encounter, van Gaal’s duty will be to keep the players in shape, while also being mindful of the coming Premier League fixtures. United still have games this season at Liverpool and at Chelsea, and others that will go a long way in determining where the club finishes in the table.

The lack of European competition this campaign means there’s a little more rest than most veterans have been used to, but this will test the mettle of everyone on the squad, coaches included. Can United get results in the final four months of the season?