Every player has their dream FA Cup opponent, and Plymouth’s Morgan Whittaker had his ready on the tip of his tongue after an impressive upset.
The forward created what might be the upset of the third round as he came in off the right wing and mazed through Brentford’s midfield before unleashing a brilliant long-range shot that claimed a shock 1-0 win.
The victory was Plymouth’s first on the road since April 2024 against a side with the most league goals on home soil in England’s top four divisions, making things all the more impressive.
Yet after completing the incredible against a Premier League outfit, their hero on the day is looking for more top-flight action.
Speaking to talkSPORT after the shock win Gtech Community Stadium, Whittaker was asked who he wants in the fourth round and he replied in an instant.
“Man U at home,” he said. “I just think at home our fans will be mental. I think we’ve got a better chance at home.”
Manchester United may well be the holders, but on a terrible run of form under new manager Ruben Amorim, anything could happen down in Devon.
Though United will first have to get past Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday should they wish to advance into the fourth round.
Should United and Plymouth be drawn together, a win for Argyle over the Red Devils might not even be as improbable as what they have already achieved in the competition.
Championship side Plymouth may only be a league below Premier League outfit Brentford, but given the circumstances, this wasn’t a match anyone singled out for an upset.
The Pilgrims are rock bottom of the second tier and still reeling from the sacking of Wayne Rooney after a run of 13 defeats and only four wins in 25 league games.
Caretaker Kevin Nancekivel was in the dugout with new boss Miron Muslic watching on from the stands, which hasn’t been much fun for their travelling supporters in recent times.
This was Plymouth’s first away win since April 5, 2024, a whole 18 matches ago – and they were facing one of the best home teams in Europe.
No Premier League side has won more home games than Brentford’s seven this season, while they’ve scored 27 at the Gtech – six more than Manchester City in second.
Reflecting on such an unexpected outcome, Whittaker told talkSPORT: “When you look at it, our first away win [of the season] against a Premier League side, not many people would have predicted this today.
“But that’s the FA Cup, anything can happen, you’ve just got to hope that you’re the ones to do it, and luckily we was.”
“In the Championship when I do that, there’s normally four or five people in front of me.
“So it’s difficult, but when I got that opportunity to keep going, I just thought, ‘Just try and get my shot off.’ Luckily the space opened up.
“The season has been tough up until now, but hopefully this is a turning point.
“We’ve got a new manager coming in – our first away win starting in the New Year – so hopefully it carries on. We couldn’t have done much better.
“It just shows that no matter what you’re doing in the league, and who you’re coming up against in the FA Cup, there’s always a chance.
“It’s the FA Cup, things like this happen, and I’m just grateful that it’s us who it’s happened to.”