Campus Maximus » Even if Everton win, the

LONDON -- In just his third match in charge of Manchester United, Louis van Gaal oversaw one of the most humiliating losses in the clubs illustrious history on Tuesday. The record 20-time English champions timidly capitulated to MK Dons, losing 4-0 to the third-tier club in the second round of the League Cup. Hired to halt the decline under David Moyes in the post-Alex Ferguson era, Van Gaal had already endured a loss and a draw in his first two Premier League matches before one of three possible routes to silverware ended in Milton Keynes. A second-string United was playing in the League Cup second round for the first time since 1995 because Moyes failed to qualify for Europe during his only season in charge. He was replaced by the coach who led the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup. Although Van Gaal made 10 changes from the team that drew at Sunderland, several international players including Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa were deployed. Van Gaal kept his cool in public after the game and did not tear into his teams performance, despite poor defending that gifted goals to the Dons and the fact that United needed around 70 minutes to manage a shot on target. "We didnt have the luck to score but at least we have created a lot of chances," Van Gaal said. "You dont have to forget we have nine injuries and we had a very young team, I have seen them trying to their utmost best. You cant expect more of the players." Van Gaal urged fans to trust him to turn around the fortunes of a team that won the Premier League by 11 points in 2013 before Ferguson retired after more than 26 years in charge. "(Supporters) have to believe in our philosophy," Van Gaal said. "We are building up a team and you cant make in one month not in one year of course. Its very disappointing but I hope they shall maintain their confidence in the club and in our philosophy because that philosophy takes time." A United side featuring David Beckham lost 3-0 to third tier side York at this stage in 1995, going out of the then two-legged second round 4-3 on aggregate. Nineteen years on, the humbling result took the gloss off Uniteds pre-match announcement that it had broken the British transfer record by signing Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for 59.7 million pounds ($99 million). With a summer spending spree that has now hit $215 million, Van Gaal will be expected to quickly restore United to the elite of English football and ensure that Tuesdays result becomes a long-forgotten blip. "You have to analyze the problem and then you have to take your matches," Van Gaal said. "We know exactly what we are doing." Benik Afobe, a striker on loan from Arsenal, and Will Grigg were gifted the openings to each score twice on a memorable night for the Dons, which was originally Wimbledon FC. The 1988 FA Cup winners as Wimbledon controversially uprooted 90 kilometres (56 miles) from south London to Milton Keynes, a large commuter town north of the capital, and was renamed a decade ago. "Im a little bit shocked to be walking off and seeing the score line," Dons manager Karl Robinson said. "Its ridiculous. Its something that dreams are made of for these players. We work hard here and youve seen a youthful energy in the team ... this is a game for Milton Keynes as a city." United wasnt the only Premier League to be beaten by lower-league opposition, with misery also for West Ham and topflight newcomers Burnley and Leicester. Sheffield Wednesday of the second tier won 1-0 at Burnley, while Leicester went down 1-0 at home to fourth-tier side Shrewsbury. New signing Enner Valencia missed a penalty for West Ham as the London club lost a shootout 5-4 to Sheffield United of the third tier. West Bromwich Albion narrowly avoided a similarly embarrassing shootout exit by beating Oxford 7-6 after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Jack Cork and Graziano Pelle scored their first goals for Southampton in a 2-0 victory at Millwall, while Newcastle beat Gillingham 1-0. Sneakers Uk Online Shop ." The game can be seen live on TSN starting with Monday Night Countdown at 6:30 p.m et/3:30 p.m. pt. The Patriots, who had a bye in Week 10, will look to continue the offensive success they had a week earlier when New England scored 55 points and racked up 610 yards of total offense in a 55-31 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sneakers Clearance Uk . Best has been bothered by concussion problems and hasnt played since Oct. 16, when the Lions lost to San Francisco. After starting 5-0, Detroit has lost four of six, beginning with that game against the 49ers. http://www.wholesalesneakersuk.com/. Villa has already confirmed his short-term deal and the Daily Mirror reported early Tuesday that Lampard will join him as both build up match fitness ahead of moves to the new Major League Soccer franchise New York City. Cheapest Sneakers Uk .Y. - Peyton Manning made his fifth MVP award a family affair. Wholesale Sneakers Uk . The 27-year-old hit .209 in 86 at-bats last year after missing the 2010 season following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.Where will this seasons domestic silverware be heading? Nothing will be decided this weekend, but well learn much more about the likely winners of the Premier League title and the FA Cup after the next round of fixtures.League leaders Leicester host Swansea on Super Sunday and Tottenham will hope to see them slip up ahead of their home game against West Brom on Monday Night Football. Plus there are two FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley and important fixtures in the race for the top four and the relegation battle.Heres what will be answered by 10pm on Monday evening...Can City steal a march on United? (Manchester City v Stoke City - Saturday, 12.45pm, live on Sky Sports 1)With Manchester United playing Everton in an FA Cup semi-final this weekend, Manchester City know a win will take them a huge step closer to securing a top-four place.A win for City over Mark Hughes side would take them five points ahead of United, who do not play again in the league until the following weekend - against Leicester City. Stoke boss Mark Hughes thinks players dont understand current guidance on holding in the penalty area City have struggled since Manuel Pellegrini announced he will be leaving at the end of the season, but they have hit their stride in recent weeks, buoyed by their Champions League win over PSG, and will fancy their chances against a Stoke side who have conceded eight goals in their last two games.That porous defence bodes well for Sergio Aguero, who has hit 22 goals this season and is battling Jamie Vardy (22) and Harry Kane (24) at the top of the scoring charts. Will Southampton make a late push for Europe? (Aston Villa v Southampton - Saturday, 3pm) Are Victor Wanyama and Southampton on the rise? Ronald Koeman knows his side must win all four of their remaining games if they are to stand any chance of securing European football this season.A trip to Aston Villa, who are already relegated after nine consecutive defeats, should provide the ideal springboard for the Dutchman, whose side drew 1-1 with Everton last time out. Three points would be the ideal boost ahead of matches against Tottenham and Manchester City.For Aston Villa, relegated last weekend after their 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, this match will test Joleon Lescotts weight off the shoulders theory, as the home side seek to restore some pride.Can Rafa Benitez inspire Newcastle on his Anfield return? (Liverpool v Newcastle - Saturday, 3pm) Benitez returns to Anfield this weekend It is almost six years since Rafael Benitez departed Liverpool and his first return as an opposition manager could hardly be bigger as he tries to save Newcastle United from relegation.The Magpies are, belatedly, showing signs of life under the Spaniard, who arrived on Tyneside last month. His first win, 3-0 over Swansea at St James Park, was followed by a creditable draw with Manchester City on Tuesday night that left Newcastle two points behind 17th-placed Norwich City.With Norwich not playing this weekend, and Sunderland hosting Arsenal, a win for Newcastle at Anfield could take them out of the bottom three with three games of their season remaining.That looks a mountainous task against a Liverpool side who are flying under Jurgen Klopp and have scored 14 goals in their last four games. It is, however, the sort of occasion Benitez thrives on.Will Bournemouth do the double over Chelsea? (Bournemouth v Chelsea - Saturday, 3pm) Bournemouth have already beaten Chelsea this season Bournemouths 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in December was just one step on what has been a remarkable debut season for Eddie Howes side in the Premier League.A top-10 finish is not out of the question for Bournemouth - an incredible achievement for a team who, at the start of the season, were widely tipped to drop straight back into the Championship.Eddie Howes side have been magnificent, playing without fear and ruling themselves out of the relegation battle long before they reached the 40-point mark.Now they can do the double over Chelsea, whose campaign is fizzling out following elimination from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and the FA Cup by Everton, and will almost certainly not be playing European football next season.Are Sunderland set for another great escape? (Sunderland v Arsenal - Sunday, 2.05pm, live on Sky Sports 1) Can Big Sam rescue Sunderland from relegation? Sunderland fans believe again. After last weekends 3-0 win over relegation rivals Norwich City breathed new life into their season, the Black Cats can sense another unlikely escape under the guidance of Sam Allardyce.Jermain Defoe will be key to their survival hopes. The veteran striker has scored 16 goals this season, incluuding three in his last five matches, and will be Sunderlands most dangerous weapon again.ddddddddddddArsenal will be buoyed by their fine recent record at the Stadium of Light. Arsene Wengers side have won on their last four league visits to Sunderland. How will Leicester cope without Jamie Vardy? (Leicester City v Swansea - Sunday, 4.15pm, live on Sky Sports 1) How will Ranieris Leicester cope without top scorer Vardy? Weve been saying it just about every weekend since the turn of the year - but this really is a huge, HUGE, weekend for Claudio Ranieris title-chasers.Leicesters lead at the Premier League summit was cut to five points after they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by West Ham United last weekend. Tottenhams 4-0 win over Stoke City on Monday night was a real statement of intent and put the pressure right back on to Leicester.Plus, now they will have to cope without their top-scorer. Jamie Vardy has played every single one of Leicesters 34 league matches this season - scoring 22 goals, the joint-most in the league - but his red card against the Hammers means he will miss the clash against Francesco Guidolins side.That adds even more pressure for Leicester on what could be the defining weekend in the title race. Can Mauricio Pochettinos men turn the screw? (Tottenham v West Bromwich Albion - Monday, 8pm, live on Sky Sports 1) Tottenham Hotspur are in sparkling form Tottenhams 4-0 demolition of Stoke City on Monday night was a ruthless display - they looked every inch Premier League champions.Mauricio Pochettinos men have been building a head of steam and they have lost just once in the league since January. They have scored the most goals (64), conceded the fewest (25) and had the most shots on target (234). Quite simply, the men from White Hart Lane look unstoppable.Fuelled by the goals of Harry Kane, the likes of Dele Alli, Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen have the bit between the teeth. They show no signs of slowing down and, after the clash with the Baggies, Spurs play Chelsea, Southampton and Newcastle. Can Roberto Martinez ease the pressure? (Everton v Manchester United - Saturday, 5.15pm) Roberto Martinez told Sky Sports he will not have to motivate his team for Saturdays FA Cup semi-final Evertons humiliating defeat in the Merseyside Derby on Wednesday night felt like a turning point for Roberto Martinez. It felt like the moment he lost the fans.Everton were not just beaten by Liverpool, they were utterly broken, producing a display lacking quality, urgency and desire, and at full-time Martinez struggled for answers.Evertons season - and Martinezs future - now rests on the FA Cup. Quite simply, if they lose to Manchester United at Wembley, it is hard to see a way back for the manager.Even if Everton win, the questions around Martinez are unlikely to go away, such as how can a side containing such talents as Romelu Lukaku, John Stones and Seamus Coleman be so badly off the pace? For Martinez, even a win at Wembley may only be a stay of execution.Is Alan Pardew heading for another FA Cup Final? (Crystal Palace v Watford - Sunday, 4pm) Alan Pardew admits his side may have had one eye on their FA Cup semi-final clash with Watford after losing 2-0 to Manchester United Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew is no stranger to FA Cup finals - but he is yet to taste glory in one.He was part of the Palace team that faced Manchester United in the classic 1990 Final, only to miss out to Lee Martins goal in the replay after a thrilling 3-3 draw at Wembley.As manager, he guided West Ham to the 2006 final at Cardiffs Millennium Stadium and was moments from glory before Steven Gerrards injury-time equaliser forced a 3-3 draw and Liverpool would take the trophy on penalties.Will it be third time lucky? In order to get there, his improving Palace side must overcome Watford in Sundays Wembley semi-final. Also See: Paul Mersons predictions PFA Team of the Year Race for the top four Your teams pros and cons ' ' '