Red View: Smalling and Welbeck interviews, Goals of the Month video + more

SMALLING RELISHES TOUGH CUP TIE Chris Smalling admits the FA Cup third-round draw could have been kinder to Manchester United - but he insists confidence is high in a squad determined to make its mark in the competition this season. The famous trophy has eluded the Reds since 2004, when Sir Alex's men beat Millwall to win it for a record eleventh time. Two subsequent defeats in finals (2005 and 2007) and two semi-final exits (2009 and 2011) tell part of the frustrating story. "We've haven’t done too well in the cup in the last few years and the manager has made that point to us," Smalling told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "We need to make sure we get back on track in the competition, especially as the league is going well and we’re into the Champions League knock-out stages. We want to do well in the cup as well. "The FA Cup has always been a massive competition. You’ve got the situation where lower league teams have the chance to play some of the top sides and it can be a real adventure for a lot of sides." The Reds' tie is an all top-flight affair of course and even though West Ham have lost two of their last three home games, Smalling fully expects a tough test in the Saturday tea-time clash. “We expect a tough game. When I saw the draw I thought it wasn’t the easiest one we could have had, but it’ll be a good atmosphere and Upton Park is always somewhere I’ve enjoyed playing," he added. “Sam Allardyce has done very well and got a good team together. The fans really get behind them, especially at Upton Park, and that will make it more difficult for us compared to if we were playing them at home. “It’s a tough draw for us, but you can end up playing anyone in the cup and you’ve got to beat everybody put in front of you. Hopefully we can put on a good show at Upton Park.” More: Sir Alex eyes cup run | United's FA Cup wins in London | Third round classics BÜTTNER GETS RUUD SUPPORT United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has backed fellow countryman Alexander Büttner to make his mark in the future. The summer signing from Vitesse Arnhem is in contention for a start at West Ham in the FA Cup on Saturday after Sir Alex Ferguson promised to rest first-choice left-back Patrice Evra. Büttner has so far appeared once in the Barclays Premier League, scoring in the home win against Wigan, and featured in three European fixtures and two Capital One Cup ties. After being bought as cover for Evra, the defender has already admitted he is pleased with his first months in Manchester. "Alexander has made a great start," van Nistelrooy told ManUtd.com. "He needs a bit more time as he's definitely somebody for the future. "He's been getting games in the Champions League. For him, it's a dream come true. He's got the ability and needs to learn to obtain more experience and he's definitely somebody to look out for." More: Rooney return delayed | Boss backs Bebe loan | United's January signings WELBECK ANSWERS THE FANS Danny Welbeck fields questions from fans posting on United's official Facebook page... Which player names were on the back of your shirts when you were a kid? Hui Cheng Actually, I think I had my nickname, ‘Welbz’, on my shirt but no player names. If I could have had anyone, it would have been Giggs as I idolised him. I liked Thierry Henry, too, but that wouldn’t have gone down too well on a United top! What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received? Jakob Aidor Probably a PlayStation. After I got it, me and my brother sat in our room for hours, and my mum and dad didn’t get any hassle. I used to play the first Pro Evo game as Ronaldo – there was no stopping me! You've scored some great goals for club and country. Which one is your favourite? - Mohamed Kaid I’d say my first goal for United, on my league debut against Stoke [November 2008] – that was a special moment for me and I was pleased with the strike. After that, my first goal for England against Belgium at Wembley in June, then the backheel winner in Euro 2012 against Sweden. Which of your team-mates would you want on your side in a snowball fight? - Kayleigh Dean I’d have to go with someone with a good throw, so David De Gea. He has massive hands – if he hits you with one of his snowballs, it’s hurting! I’d pick Antonio Valencia, too, as he has big arms and I reckon his snowballs would go straight through you. More: Welbeck bides his time | Rafael eyes special title | Evans on the attack   This email was sent by: Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. 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