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Huddersfield can play with freedom against Manchester United, says David Wagner

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Huddersfield boss David Wagner is excited to be facing Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round and promises his side will play with freedom.

David Wagner believes Huddersfield can play with total freedom as they look to mastermind a cup upset over Manchester United.

The pair meet in the FA Cup fifth round at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday, with the Terriers bidding to reach the last eight of the competition for the first time in 46 years.

The Yorkshire side come into the game in good form having won both their last two matches 4-1 against Birmingham City and Bournemouth.

Antonio Valencia is put under pressure by the Huddersfield defence
Image: Huddersfield were beaten 2-0 by United at Old Trafford earlier this month

"It is the cup so we can play this game with freedom against one of the biggest names in world football at home," said Wagner. "What is better than this?

"If there was one game where we can play totally with freedom, then it is this one.

"We have shown that we can cause them some problems, at least defensively if we find our set-up to give them no space.

"We have to be at our best in terms of focus and concentration. We can only win on Saturday."

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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21:  Laurent Depoitre of Huddersfield Town celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Premier League match betwee
Image: Laurent Depoitre celebrates scoring against United at the John Smith's Stadium

Huddersfield shocked United at home in the Premier League in October, as Aaron Mooy and Laurent Depoitre scored in the 2-1 win, but Wagner knows the chances of a repeat result remain slim.

"Usually if United plays Huddersfield three times, they will not make a mistake twice, but we all know that in football, anything is possible," he said.

"If there is a small chance, we will be there to try to take it."

Wagner confirmed on Friday that Mooy will be out of action for up to three weeks following an infected cut, while Michael Hefele and Elias Kachunga will also miss Saturday's game.

Alex Pritchard celebrates with team-mate Steve Mounie
Image: Huddersfield beat Bournemouth 4-1 in the league last weekend

Despite the excitement of a potential place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Wagner insists staying in the Premier League remains the club's main goal for the season.

"The priority since day one is the Premier League," he said.

"This doesn't mean automatically that we don't like to be successful in the other competitions as well.

"The players fought for 120 minutes in the replay against Birmingham to come into the fifth round and to play United at home.

"We are happy and excited to be involved in this game. For our fans, this is our present for them."

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