Manchester United vs. Derby County: FA Cup 2018 Preview, Live Stream, TV Info

Manchester United begin their bid to win a 13th FA Cup when they face Championship high-flyers Derby County at Old Trafford on Friday in the third round.

The Red Devils endured a difficult Christmas period, drawing three consecutive Premier League matches after losing to Bristol City in the Carabao Cup on December 20.

However, they got back to winning ways on Monday against Everton and should have too much for Derby if they can hit the same kind of form.

Read on for a full preview of the clash, along with viewing and scheduling details.

Date: Friday, Jan. 5 

Time: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

TV Info: Fox Sports 2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Preview

United last met Derby on the way to their FA Cup triumph in 2015-16. Then managed by Louis van Gaal, the Red Devils prevailed 3-1 in their fourth-round clash, with Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and Juan Mata getting the goals for the Manchester giants.

United manager Jose Mourinho would likely be delighted with the same result on Friday, but Derby will be no pushovers.

The Rams have gone unbeaten in their past seven matches and are second in the Championship with a fine chance of earning promotion back to the Premier League.

United lost a couple of key players to injury over the festive period, but striker Romelu Lukaku could return for the FA Cup clash, per Mark Critchley of The Independent.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The Belgian's movement, pace and physicality could cause Derby significant problems, especially if he is playing ahead of Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba, all of whom enjoyed excellent games at Everton.

Mourinho may take the opportunity to rotate his squad for Derby's visit.

United have more than enough quality in their ranks to put out a changed starting XI and still beat the Championship side, and it could be an excellent time to rest key players after a hectic December.

The Red Devils cannot afford to be complacent, though, and they will need to be clinical in attack, as Gary Rowett's Derby are likely to defend in numbers at Old Trafford.

The last time United were knocked out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage was in 2014, when Swansea City prevailed 2-1 at Old Trafford thanks to a 90th-minute Wilfried Bony goal.

Mourinho will surely demand his players get the game wrapped up as early as possible against Derby to ensure no late drama on Friday.

However, the FA Cup often produces major surprises, and the Pride Park side are far from lower-league minnows.

They could well be back in the Premier League next season and will be eager to prove they have what it takes to survive in the top flight by downing United.