DANNY Graham says Manchester United remain the big draw they always have been as Blackburn Rovers look to spring a shock against the holders in today’s fifth round tie.

Rovers host Jose Mourinho’s men in the last 16 of the FA Cup having seen off Championship rivals QPR and League Two Blackpool in the earlier rounds.

Graham says the players were all wanting the big tie in round five, and he admits they don’t come any bigger than taking on United at home.

The Red Devils may be sixth in the Premier League table, and without a league title since 2012/13, but the Rovers striker says their standing within the game hasn’t changed.

“The boys were looking for that big draw, home or away, and we got that,” he said.

“They are a massive club and dominated English football for 20 years or so.

“Obviously they haven’t won as much as they would have liked in the last few years, but it’s still going to be a great occasion and one that we’re really looking forward to.

“Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world so it’s going to be a great day.

“Hopefully we can go out there, give a good account of ourselves, and see what happens.”

Rovers are struggling in the league, currently second bottom in the Championship and sitting three points from safety.

Despite dominating against bottom side Rotherham last weekend, and for large parts against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, Rovers have taken just one point for their efforts.

Graham admits Rovers have been left frustrated by that points return, and by several decisions that have gone against them in recent weeks. But the 31-year-old is hoping that can spur Rovers on in Sunday’s tie.

“That’s what we have to do – channel that frustration in the right way because we’ve played well in the last few games,” Rovers’ joint top-scorer added. “Rotherham away we should have been at least 2-0 up by half-time, the Sheffield Wednesday game we got done on set-plays and a couple of decisions that didn’t go our way.

“So everyone is frustrated, but we have a massive game on Sunday and it’s one we’re looking forward to. We can certainly go out and enjoy it.

“It’s a good distraction away from the league – the last few results we’ve been disappointed with, even though we’ve played some of our best football. It’s a one off game and we’ll be looking to pull that shock off.”

Graham has played in the Premier League before, but for some of the Rovers players it will be their first taste of coming up against world level opposition. The striker added: “As a footballer you want to test yourselves against the best week in, week out. We have a chance to do that on Sunday. It’s a massive opportunity.

“We’re coming up against one of the best teams in Europe and we’re all looking forward to it.

“Hopefully it’s close to a full house and the fans can get right behind us and you never know what can happen on the day.

“As a young boy growing up everyone talked about the FA Cup and how special it is.

“To have played and scored in the FA Cup, and play Manchester United on Sunday, is special.

“I’m sure a lot of the boys will be thinking the same thing.”