Burton consider moving home for United's visit

Discussions over where to stage Burton Albion's FA Cup tie with Manchester United will begin today. A thrilling 4-1 victory over the UniBond Premier Division outfit Burscough earned Conference side Burton the right to meet Sir Alex Ferugson's side at home in the third round.

Barely had celebrations died down at the Brewers' 6,000-capacity Pirelli Stadium than thoughts turned to whether the tie ought to be moved to neighbouring Derby County's Pride Park Stadium, which can hold 34,000, although the Rams themselves have been drawn at home to Burnley.

Albion have confirmed that discussions with Staffordshire Police and safety advisors will open with the Burton chairman Ben Robinson promising to make supporters' considerations paramount.

"There's no one bigger than Manchester United in terms of exposure but we'll be playing here at the Pirelli Stadium unless the police and the safety committee advise otherwise," said Robinson. "However, we want to make sure the Burton supporters who come to see us week in and week out get to see their team on what will be the greatest day in the club's history.

"The tie cannot be switched to another ground simply for commercial reasons. There has to be a safety issue involved and if that were to be the advice we get then the likelihood is we would try to secure another local venue - possibly Pride Park.

"It was only last month Sir Alex Ferguson brought a side down here for a friendly game to mark the official opening of the stadium. We won 2-1, but that was simply an occasion.

"This time around I'm expecting Manchester United to bring a strong team because the FA Cup is a serious proposition and we want to try to beat them and go through to the next round ourselves."