FA Cup: United avoid upset in Wales
Newport County 2 - 4 Manchester United
Newport County's FA Cup journey came to an end in the Fourth Round, with Manchester United securing a 4-2 victory at Rodney Parade. It was so nearly a huge upset though.
The Red Devils took control early on, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo (his first for the club) within the first twelve minutes. Bryn Morris's late first-half strike and Will Evans' equaliser for County just after the restart kept the game alive.
However, late finishes from Antony and Rasmus Højlund secured United's place in the next round of the competition where they will face an away match against Forest or Bristol City.
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Manager Graham Coughlan stuck with the same lineup that defeated Wrexham last weekend, with Aaron Wildig, Harry Charsley, and Seb Palmer-Houlden retaining their spots in the starting XI. Scot Bennett celebrated his 350th appearance for the Exiles, and Offrande Zanzala made his long-awaited return from injury, featuring on the bench.
For United, Mainoo started in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes and the returning Casemiro. Up front, Marcus Rashford was absent for well documented reasons. Garnacho, Hojlund and Antony featured as a three uo front.
The visitors dominated the early proceedings, creating the first real opportunity within two minutes. Fernandes set up Alejandro Garnacho, who cut inside and narrowly missed the target. The breakthrough came four minutes later, as Fernandes fired home a thunderous effort after a slick counter-attacking move.
United doubled their lead in the first twelve minutes when Diogo Dalot set up Mainoo for a neat finish into the far corner. Although County had moments, including Morris's extraordinary volley in the 36th minute, United maintained control.
The Exiles made a dream start to the second half, with Evans equalising in the 48th minute after Adam Lewis' low cross. Despite Newport pushing for the lead, United regained it in the 68th minute, with Antony scoring from a rebound.
Coughlan made a triple change in the final ten minutes, but United secured their victory in injury time with Højlund scoring from a rebound. The result ended Newport County's FA Cup journey in a hard-fought contest at Rodney Parade.
Match highlights
The best reaction to the match
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder, told us: "There is bound to be lots of over analysis to the match, but I think that was a good victory at the end. We now have a winnable match in the next round. This competition is now very important for all of us."
Daniel, another United fan, was slightly less happy with the performance. He said: "We allowed Newport so many chances at goal. The team is so unbalanced. Antony scoring and getting an assist is a positive though. It should give him some confience."
