Manchester United Survives Scare, Edges Newport County 4-2 in FA Cup Fourth Round
Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales
January 28, 2024
In a pulsating FA Cup fourth-round encounter, twelve-time winners Manchester United escaped a potential giant-killing upset, overcoming a resilient Newport County side 4-2 at Rodney Parade.
The Red Devils, fresh off their Carabao Cup triumph, appeared poised for a routine victory when they raced to a two-goal lead, courtesy of strikes from Bruno Fernandes and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo. However, the League Two underdogs, ranked 76 places below United in the English football pyramid, displayed remarkable fighting spirit, clawing their way back into the contest through goals from Bryn Morris and Will Evans.
With the tie hanging precariously in the balance, United’s Brazilian winger Antony stepped up to restore their advantage in the 68th minute, before substitute Rasmus Hojlund sealed the victory late on.
United’s Profligacy Almost Proves Costly
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag fielded a strong starting lineup, featuring several first-team regulars, including Fernandes, Antony, and Marcus Rashford. The visitors dominated possession from the outset, pinning Newport County deep in their own half.
United’s dominance was rewarded in the 31st minute when Fernandes converted a penalty after Newport defender Cameron Norman was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. The Portuguese midfielder coolly slotted the spot-kick into the bottom corner, giving his side a deserved lead.
Just seven minutes later, United doubled their advantage through Mainoo, who produced a moment of individual brilliance. The teenage midfielder picked up the ball on the left flank, drove past two Newport defenders, and unleashed a powerful low drive that flew into the net.
Despite their two-goal cushion, United failed to maintain their intensity and allowed Newport back into the game. The hosts pulled one back just before halftime when Morris capitalized on a defensive lapse by United center-back Raphael Varane to slot home from close range.
Newport continued to threaten after the break and were rewarded for their efforts in the 58th minute when Evans leveled the scores. The forward latched onto a long ball over the top, shrugged off the challenge of Diogo Dalot, and fired a low shot past United goalkeeper David de Gea.
Antony Rescues United, Hojlund Seals Victory
With the momentum firmly with Newport, United looked vulnerable, and a replay at Old Trafford seemed a distinct possibility. However, Antony, who had been relatively quiet until that point, produced a moment of magic to restore United’s lead.
In the 68th minute, the Brazilian received the ball on the right wing, cut inside onto his favored left foot, and curled a sumptuous effort into the far corner, leaving Newport goalkeeper Joe Day rooted to the spot.
United then managed to weather a late Newport onslaught and put the game to bed in the 88th minute through Hojlund. The Danish striker, who had come off the bench just minutes earlier, pounced on a loose ball in the Newport penalty area and slotted home to seal the victory.
Ten Hag Relieved, Coughlan Proud
Speaking to the BBC after the match, ten Hag expressed relief at his team’s eventual victory, acknowledging that they had made things unnecessarily difficult for themselves.
“We controlled the game, maybe we went a little bit slower,” ten Hag said. “We had the chance to go 3-0. [Alejandro] Garnacho hit the crossbar. [Newport] had nothing, really nothing and then they scored a goal.”
“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,” added United captain Fernandes.
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,” Coughlan 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 to Face Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in Fifth Round
With their hard-fought victory, Manchester United advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they will face either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest. The two Championship sides will replay their fourth-round tie on February 7 to determine United’s next opponent.
The Red Devils will be aiming to continue their FA Cup success, having won the competition a record 12 times, including last season when they defeated Newcastle United in the final.