Norwich City's past and present, Cameron McGeehan and Michael Nelson, aim to star in an FA Cup shock for Cambridge United against three-time European Cup winners Manchester United.

McGeehan made his mark with a brace in the Us' League Two 4-0 win over Newport County at the weekend on his first appearance since an initial one-month loan move.

Norwich's former League One title-winning central defender Michael Nelson was also on duty and both hope they have done enough to feature against Louis Van Gaal's squad in Friday's glamour televised fourth-round tie.

McGeehan revealed after his debut brace he had an extra incentive, with childhood friend Luke Shaw in the Reds' ranks.

'When I was under six, we played for the same team together, Molesey Juniors, which is where we're from, and our dads are best friends so we've kept in contact and it's going to be really interesting to play against him,' said City's young midfielder. 'I've played with Paddy McNair a lot for Northern Ireland (under-21s), so he's a close friend as well, but with Man United on the horizon it's all part of the experience I have come for. The main thing is doing well in the league and helping the side to push on in and around the play-offs but Manchester United is an amazing thing to be part of and hopefully I can play well we can and do well as a team.'

McGeehan was disappointed not to feature in Neil Adams's first team plans at Norwich this season after playing an integral role in the club's FA Youth Cup winning exploits two seasons ago under the club's former manager. The 19-year-old aims to make the most of his Abbey spell after helping bitter rivals Luton to the Conference title last season.

'Norwich will see how I do and make their own judgements, but for me it's all about doing well for Cambridge United,' he said. 'I am not trying to play well to get back to Norwich, I want to do well and stay here. I was trying to get into the Norwich team this season but they have a big, big squad.

'You hope with a bit of luck you might get a chance and with Neil Adams in charge you felt there might be an opportunity but he stuck with the more experienced players. I just have to try and get out and play games.'

Nelson has been an ever-present in the Cambridge backline since his free transfer move from Hibs, but the veteran defender is taking nothing for granted ahead of a high-profile FA Cup date against the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

'The gaffer will pick the side he feels will go out and do the job so you just have to respect that and go with it,' Nelson told Cambridge's official site. 'Hopefully with a clean sheet I have done my bit to be in the side. A cup run is brilliant but this club fought tooth and nail to get back in the league and we have to make sure not only do we stay in it but move the club forward. There is totally no pressure on us. It is days like Newport or Carlisle away when we earn our money. We'll enjoy this build-up now. I'm sure a lot of people would have looked at the (Newport) game and felt we wouldn't be up for it with a big game around the corner, maybe trying to save yourself or make sure you are in the team but there is no better way to try and cement your place than a result and performance like that.'