United have been drawn away against Premiership giants Arsenal in the third round of the Carling Cup.

United lost to Arsene Wenger's side in fourth round of last year's competition.

The draw was made on Saturday lunchtime, live on Sky Sports. Tony Cottee and ex Blade Phil Thompson made the draw.

Kevin Blackwell's immediate reaction was: "It is a great draw, obviously a tough one but certainly one to look out for towards the end of next month."

The United  manager is aware of the recent history, where United have been matched with the Londoners on a number of occasions and added: "There must be a magnet between the balls because they seem to attract."

The third round is where all the Premiership teams involved in Europe enter the competition.

United, of course, have beaten Port Vale and Huddersfield Town to reach the third round.

The tie will be played in the week commencing 22nd September.

The full draw is...

Arsenal v Sheffield United
Brighton or Man City v Derby
Burnley v Fulham
Portsmouth v Chelsea
Blackburn v Everton
Rotherham v Southampton
Swansea v Cardiff
Ipswich v Wigan
Stoke v Reading
Leeds v Hartlepool
Watford v West Ham
Man United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Crewe
Aston Villa v QPR
Sunderland v Northampton
Newcastle v Spurs