Manchester United narrowly advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup by overcoming a frightening encounter with League Two side Newport County. Within 15 minutes, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo gave United a two-goal lead, but the underdogs rallied and magnificently leveled the score. Despite exerting effort to regain the advantage, Newport was ultimately defeated by Antony and Rasmus Hojrund’s goals.
Newport stunneԀ Manchester United, which for the third time this season trailed by two goals. However, goals from Antony and Rasmus Hojlund earned the visitors a fifth-round FA Cup match at either Nottingham Forest or Bristol City following a tremendously entertaining match.
United took the lead after seven minutes when Bruno Fernandes scored following a well-executed move. And they quickly doubled their lead when Kobbie Mainoo scored his first goal in senior football 13 minutes into the game, effectively severing the deadlock.
However, United subsequently wasted the opportunity, and on 36 minutes, Bryn Morris scored a remarkable livener after Lisandro Martinez’s pass was only slightly deflected into the net. Will Evans then equalized for Rodney Parade two minutes into the second half, steаling a march on Raphael Varane. This action brought Rodney Parade into raptures.
However, United regained their composure and ultimately retook the lead when Antony scored his first goal since April 2023. Hojlund then brought the game to a close four minutes into ιnjury time, having battled well to break the deadlock before finishing neatly.
TALKING POINT: AVOID EXCUSES TEN TIMES
A considerable number of the factors contributing to Manchester United’s dismal performance this season do not fall under the purview of Erik ten Hag. However, all of his essential players are now healthy for the first time this season, and he will do well to remain in post until the end of May if there is no significant improvement.
Particularly, his defensive organizer and playmaker, Lisandro Martinez, will be welcomed back. Additionally, United should be much more capable of moving the ball forward rapidly with the return of Luke Shaw; he linked well with Alejandro Garnacho immediately.
However, they have been most deficient in the midfield, unable to exert control over games despite selecting any three players. However, Ten Hag’s preferred triumvirate of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes had not performed together prior to today. Therefore, United must now progress; failure to do so will result in a managerial dilemma.
The match’s MVP is Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United.
The first-setter and second-setter who was deemed the greatest player on the field.
PLAYER Evaluations
Townsend 6, McLoughoughtin 6, Clarke 6, Bennett 7, Delaney 6, Lewis 7, Wildig 5, Charsley 6, Morris 7, Palmer-Houlden 5, Evans 8 are the members of Newport County. Payne 6, Waite 6, Rai 6, Baker 6, Wood 6 are substitutes.
Casemiro 6, Fernandes 8, Antony 7, Hojlund 6, Garnacho 7: Bayindir 6, Dalot 6, Varane 6, Martinez 7, Shaw 7, Mainoo 7, Casemiro 6, Varane 6, Martinez 7. Forson 6, McTominay 6, Kambwala 6, Maguire 6, Evans 6 are substitutes.