MICHAEL Appleton is seeking an added incentive for Oxford United to progress in the Emirates FA Cup when the third round draw is made tonight.

For the fourth time in five seasons the U’s are in the hat for the last 64, when Premier League and Championship clubs join the competition.

Appleton’s side still have work to do following a goalless draw at Macclesfield Town on Friday night, when the non-league side came close to a shock result.

But the United head coach, who masterminded a 3-2 win at home to Swansea City in last season’s third round, knows a plum tie would add extra edge to the replay at the Kassam Stadium next week.

“We’ll look forward to the replay and hopefully we’ll get a side out of the hat who will motivate and excite people to get through to the third round,” Appleton said.

“I’ve been a player myself and know what it’s like, especially as a young player.

“Macclesfield made it difficult for us, they had the motivation to beat a side two divisions above them.

“It was no different to us playing Swansea last season.

“There is that extra point to prove at times that you can play at that level.

“Macclesfield had that in abundance – we got away with it and got the rub of the green.

“Hopefully we’ll be a bit better in and out of possession and do all the nasty, horrible things you’ve got to do in the replay.”

Appleton will be hoping ball 48 is drawn at home to Manchester United, where he began his playing career.

While United were well below par in the televised tie at Moss Rose, Alex MacDonald drew a parallel with last season.

The run to a fourth-round exit against Blackburn Rovers began with another underwhelming draw away to non-league opposition, at Braintree.

MacDonald, whose dream draw would be a trip to Anfield, said: “Sometimes it doesn’t have to be the prettiest or the most spectacular of performances, we’ve just got to make sure we perform a lot better and make it easier for ourselves.

“If it’s a scrappy 1-0 and we’re in the third round, we’ll take it.

“It’s going to be an interesting draw and we’ll be watching.”

Tonight's draw takes place at 7pm on BBC2.

All the updates at oxfordmail.co.uk/sport