Manchester United picked for live FA Cup coverage for 48th time in a row as non-league snubbed by BBC and BT Sport

Eastleigh will not be screened live while three other non-league sides could join them in the third round

A view of the FA Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United will have an FA Cup match televised live for the 48th consecutive time after the third round fixtures were announced by the BBC and BT Sport.

Despite United drawing a low-key affair against League One side Sheffield United at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal’s side will have their match broadcast live on BT Sport on Saturday 9 January. The last time United played in an FA Cup fixture that was not televised came in 2005 when United won 2-0 at Exeter City in a third round replay.

Since then, every United match in the FA Cup has been selected to be screened live – despite United failing to win the trophy since 2004.

It means that Eastleigh, the only non-league team confirmed in the FA Cup third round, will not be screened on television, while Salford City FC, Grimsby and Whitehawk will also miss out should they win their second round replays scheduled for next week.

The action begins on BBC One with Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool as they make the long journey south to take on Exeter. On Saturday, Wycombe Wanderers entertain basement Premier League side Aston Villa on BT Sport, with United’s clash with Sheffield United following in the evening.

Those with access to BBC Wales will be able to watch Oxford United vs Swansea at midday on Sunday, before the all-Premier League clash between Tottenham and table-toppers Leicester completes the action at 4pm on BBC One.

As well as the non-league sides, holders Arsenal have been snubbed despite facing Premier League opposition in Sunderland, while Norwich vs Manchester City, Southampton vs Crystal Palace and Watford vs Newcastle have also been overlooked.

FA Cup third round fixture to be televised:

Exeter vs Liverpool – Friday 7.55pm (BBC One)

Wycombe vs Aston Villa – Saturday 12.45pm (BT Sport)

Manchester United vs Sheffield United – Saturday 5.30pm (BT Sport)

Oxford United vs Swansea City – Sunday 12pm (BBC Wales only)

Tottenham vs Leicester – Sunday 4pm (BBC One)