Man United can't use pitch as an excuse in FA Cup tie, says Tranmere boss

Third-tier Rovers booked a dream meeting against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on Sunday by overcoming Premier League side Watford in their rescheduled third-round replay.

A waterlogged pitch last week meant the Watford game had to be rearranged for Thursday, with Tranmere progressing courtesy of a 2-1 win after extra-time on a playing surface where there were a number of bald patches, with both wings heavily sanded.

Matters are hardly likely to improve because of the short turnaround between the fixtures, but Mellon argued the condition of the pitch would not help his Tranmere underdogs.

"People get confused and think they've got to play on a different pitch. We'll play on the same pitch," Mellon said.