Town's cup old boy likes their chances

Griffiths, now 44 and working at Chelsea's academy, scored 60 goals in 163 games for Town before a £500,000 move to United's rivals Manchester City in 1993.

The ex-striker is thrilled at the prospect of Town taking on the Old Trafford giants – and believes they have a chance of causing an upset.

Welshpool-born Griffiths said: "I'm really looking forward to it and I hope they can put on a good show.

"I'm sure they will and if they can control them for the first half-hour then they will give themselves a great chance.

"There will be good support there. The Town fans are great and they're going to be buzzing to have Manchester United in town.

"I just think it's great for Shrewsbury, financially and as an opportunity for a cup upset – that's probably why it was picked for BT Sport's live coverage."

United have lost their last two games and have 13 players out injured. With pressure mounting on boss Louis van Gaal, another defeat could see him sacked.

Griffiths reckons Town might have got United at the right time, continuing: "It's probably not a bad time to play United.

"They've been away in Denmark, they did a lot of travelling, Rooney is out too which is a massive blow, so you never know what can happen."

Griffiths was in the squad the last time Shrewsbury reached the fifth round in 1991 and believes they can carry on their proud cup tradition.

He said: "The FA Cup is the best cup in the world. I remember when we played Arsenal in the fifth round and got beaten.

"We had a great run with Gary Shaw and Dean Spink up front. Shrewsbury have done well in the cups in the past couple of years and I hope they can carry that on."

Griffiths revealed he once had a two-week trial with United, adding: "Me and Wayne Evans went there when we were 14. It was great."