Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough dreams of more FA Cup giant-killing moments as he recalls the day non-league Burton Albion took Manchester United to third round replay

Manchester United bring on Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo during the FA Cup Third Round match between Burton Albion and Manchester United on January 8, 2006. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The Mansfield manager took then League One Sheffield United all the way to the FA Cup semi-final in 2014, when they were beaten 5-3 by Hull City.

But his most memorable FA Cup moment came when his non-league Burton Albion side forced star-studded Manchester United to a third round replay in 2006.

“It was incredible to take Man United to a replay,” said Clough. “The financial impact it had on Burton was staggering.

“I remember being at the Pirelli Stadium when Alex Ferguson brought on Wayne Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo as subs after 59 minutes.

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“Burton taking United to the replay sums up the competition. We were in the Conference and it typifies what the FA Cup can do.

“We’re looking forward to the game. The magic of the FA Cup is still there for me.

“I know the big boys don’t always put a full strength team out and that's understandable with the Premier League being so lucrative and taking priority, but it is still extremely special for the fans.”

And Clough is hoping Mansfield, who are yet to win at home this season, can see off Dagenham and Redbridge on Sunday and bag themselves a plum third round draw.

“It’s a big chance to get to the Third Round,” he added. “You never know, if we do and get a decent tie, then come January we may be able to get fans in.

“To get into the third round for our level is one of the most exciting points of the season.

“For us it is a great competition to be in, it’s so special.”

But Clough knows only too well the danger of Stags underestimating the struggling National League side.

They will be really up for it,” added Clough. “They will fancy their chances without a doubt and will want to be in the Third Round draw.

“The lower you go down the more it means to them. It would be a great achievement for us and would mean a lot.

“The danger is people assume Dagenham will be easy, but that won't be the case. If we get to the Third Round it will be brilliant.

“Winning is a good habit. We will be putting our best side out to try and get through.”

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