United are entering the League Cup at the second round stage for the first time in 19 years/AFP
LONDON, Aug 14 – Manchester United have been given an away tie at third-tier Milton Keynes Dons in the draw for the second round of the English League Cup.
Having failed to qualify for European competition last season, United are entering the League Cup at the second round stage for the first time in 19 years.
On their last appearance in the second round in 1995, they were eliminated by York City.
“We’re ecstatic. It’s a dream tie for us,” said MK Dons manager Karl Robinson, whose side eliminated fierce rivals AFC Wimbledon 3-1 in the first round.
“After beating AFC Wimbledon last night (Tuesday), we are now going to be playing one of the greatest ever football teams at Stadium MK, all in our anniversary season.”
West Ham United faces something of a grudge match at home to third-tier Sheffield United, which will rekindle memories of the Carlos Tevez affair.
Tevez helped keep West Ham in the Premier League at the Blades’ expense in 2007, but an independent tribunal subsequently ruled that he had been ineligible to play because the London club had breached regulations concerning third-party ownership when they signed him.
West Ham agreed to pay Sheffield United a reported amount of £18.1 million ($30.2 million, 22.6 million euros) in compensation. The teams have not met since the 2006-07 season.
Sunderland, who lost to Manchester City in last season’s final, will travel to 2011 winners Birmingham City.
The ties are due to be played on August 26 and 27.
