Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal expects a tough FA Cup tie at Preston.

Van Gaal's men are on the road for a third successive round against lower-league opposition and the boss is relishing the prospect of taking the club a step closer to Wembley.

"I think it's always difficult to beat a lower team and you cannot do it well," the manager explained to MUTV. "In spite of the 3-0 result tonight, you never do it well because everybody expects more so I am pleased we have to play against Preston North End now but also I know it shall be very difficult to beat them.

"Preston beat great cup fighters in Sheffield United. I have heard from Ryan [Giggs] they are very good fighters and Preston beat them 3-1 at home. So Preston will not be a piece of cake."