Zak Whitbread goes way back with United

Now 31, Whitbread has been a United fan since boyhood through his Red Devils-mad father Barry and grew up worshipping Eric Cantona.

It led to him being invited into the Old Trafford home dressing room in March 1994, meeting Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Co.

Whitbread: "I've watched them in quite a few games in the past – one that sticks out is a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea a few years back.

"I was allowed into the dressing room and I got to meet all the players. I think it was my ninth birthday and I was mascot, so I'll never forget that.

"That was the team of Peter Schmeichel and Steve Bruce, and I was there for Eric Cantona's little dinked goal in the 6-1 win against Sunderland, so I've been quite fortunate.

"My dad knew a couple of people at the club – he's a big fan and he's from Manchester. He worked for Bobby Charlton's football agency back in the day, so that was our way in."

As for favourites, it's the player voted United's best of all time who is king in Whitbread's eyes.

He said: "I was more of a centre-forward when I was younger, so my favourite was Eric Cantona.

"I couldn't emulate him, I couldn't even do the way he wore his collar up – I used to get a bit of stick for that! He was the man for me, as most United fans would agree."

Whitbread was brought up in Runcorn between Manchester and Liverpool and, understandably, kept his fondness for United quiet during his academy years at Anfield.

But, while most fans of one hate the other, his links with the fierce rivals have left him in a unique position of supporting both.

He said: "There's a bit of a divide in the family because my mum supports Liverpool!"

"My dad was a United fan so I was brought up to be one too which made it difficult being at Liverpool . I still follow Liverpool now and I still really want them to do well.

"I want both clubs to do well but I'll probably get stick from both sides saying that!"

Having played in the Premier League with Norwich City, Whitbread is one of the few Shrewsbury Town players to have faced United before. And he wants revenge after being denied a point in 'Fergie time.'

He said: "I've only played them the once – with Norwich at Carrow Road and we were drawing then Ryan Giggs popped up in injury-time with the winner at the back stick. So that was disappointing.

"So my record is zero-one against them and I'll be looking to redress the balance."

Having joined Town as they continue to battle to stay in League One, Whitbread admits the prospect of facing United didn't cross his mind when he signed.

He added: "It's the luck of the draw. It was a nice surprise and it's something we've got to embrace and not get too giddy about, but approach it in the right way and enjoy it."

Whitbread insists Town aren't going into the tie to make up the numbers after staging upsets to topple Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday.

He said: "We've got to this stage of the Cup and we've beaten teams from a higher league and I'm sure everyone else would say the pressure isn't on us.

"We fully believe on our day we can give anyone a problem. We've got to be on top of our game, simple as that, but I think if we approach it well with the right attitude it will be a good game."

Despite the huge gulf in playing budget, size of clubs and gap of 58 league places, Whitbread believes Town will have one advantage over United.

The former Millwall, Norwich, Derby and Leicester centre-back reckons they will find the Greenhous Meadow outside their comfort zone.

He said: "It's a cup competition and away grounds for the likes of United and Chelsea are not what they're used to. But, on their day, if they come out with all guns blazing, it will be difficult."

Whitbread has already spoken to Craig Bryson at Derby – United's last Cup opponents – and intends tapping his old Premier League contacts for further information.

He said: "I've seen a few United games already this season but I'll have a look through my phone book to see who I can get."

While the focus will be on the visitors, Whitbread believes Town have their own threats in Shaun Whalley and Andy Mangan.

He added: "They're both lively players with terrific ability and they can score goals and play in different positions.

"Their goals at Blackpool on Saturday were well deserved – Shaun has worked really hard to get into the team and done well and 'Mangs' is a character around the place and gives 100 per cent.

"I thought everyone played a part and was fantastic."