Manchester United Survives Scare, Advances in FA Cup with 4-2 Victory Over Newport County

Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales

January 28, 2024

In a pulsating FA Cup fourth-round encounter, Manchester United, the record twelve-time winners of the competition, were pushed to the limit by fourth-tier Newport County before emerging with a hard-fought 4-2 victory at Rodney Parade.

The Red Devils, who were runners-up in last year’s FA Cup, appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory after taking a two-goal lead through Bruno Fernandes and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo. However, Newport, ranked 76 places below United in the English football pyramid, displayed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit to claw their way back into the contest.

Bryn Morris and Will Evans scored either side of half-time for the Welsh side, igniting hopes of a famous upset. The Rodney Parade faithful roared their team on, sensing a potential giant-killing in the air.

United manager Erik ten Hag, who has endured a challenging start to his tenure at Old Trafford, watched anxiously from the sidelines as his team’s grip on the match began to slip. The Dutchman made tactical adjustments, bringing on Brazilian winger Antony in an attempt to bolster United’s attacking threat.

Antony’s introduction proved decisive as he restored United’s two-goal advantage with a well-taken goal in the 68th minute. The goal deflated Newport’s growing belief, and United subsequently added a fourth through Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund to seal the victory.

Despite the win, ten Hag was far from satisfied with his team’s performance. “We controlled the game, maybe we went a little bit slower,” he told the BBC. “We had the chance to go 3-0. [Alejandro] Garnacho hit the crossbar. [Newport] had nothing, really nothing and then they scored a goal.”

United captain Fernandes, who opened the scoring for his team, echoed his manager’s sentiments. “Obviously it was not the result that we wanted, we got the win that we wanted but the result was not the perfect one for us. We didn’t want to concede goals,” he said.

“We know that to make the season look not as bad as it has been, we have to try to win this trophy … we know how much the FA Cup means for our fans, our club, for the country and it’s important for us too. We want to get into the final and win.”

Newport manager Graham Coughlan was proud of his team’s performance despite the defeat. “The best team won, they were clinical when they got their chances,” he said. “At 2-2 the ball comes off the post and it fell to Antony. I did think at 2-2 we could possibly force a replay if we could weather the storm. Class saw them through.”

United will now face either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in the fifth round, depending on who wins their replay on February 7.

Match Highlights

• Manchester United took the lead in the 12th minute through Bruno Fernandes, who converted a penalty after Newport goalkeeper Joe Day brought down Alejandro Garnacho inside the area.
• Kobbie Mainoo doubled United’s advantage in the 33rd minute with a composed finish after being set up by Antony.
• Newport reduced the deficit just before halftime when Bryn Morris headed home from a corner.
• Will Evans leveled the scores for Newport in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from United.
• Antony restored United’s lead in the 68th minute with a clinical strike from inside the area.
• Rasmus Hojlund sealed the victory for United in the 82nd minute, tapping in from close range after good work from Garnacho.

Key Moments

• Bruno Fernandes’ Penalty: The Portuguese midfielder coolly slotted home from the spot to give United an early lead.
• Kobbie Mainoo’s Goal: The young midfielder showed great composure to double United’s advantage with a well-taken finish.
• Bryn Morris’ Header: The Newport defender rose highest to head home a corner and give his team a lifeline.
• Will Evans’ Equalizer: The forward pounced on a United defensive error to level the scores for Newport.
• Antony’s Winner: The Brazilian winger produced a moment of quality to restore United’s lead with a clinical strike.
• Rasmus Hojlund’s Goal: The Danish striker put the game beyond doubt with a close-range finish.

Post-Match Analysis

Manchester United’s victory over Newport County was a tale of two halves. In the first half, they were dominant and created several chances, scoring two goals through Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. However, their performance in the second half was much less convincing, as they allowed Newport to come back into the game and cause them problems.

Erik ten Hag will be concerned by his team’s defensive lapses, which allowed Newport to score two goals. He will also be disappointed with the team’s overall performance in the second half, which was far below the standards that he has set for them.

However, United ultimately got the job done and advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup. They will now face either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest, and they will be hoping for a more convincing performance in that match.

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