Manchester United avoided an FA Cup upset by beating League Two club Newport County at the Rodney Parade Stadium on Sunday to advance further in the competition.
The Red Devils started brightly with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo inside 14 minutes.
The home team showed great spirit in restoring parity to the scoreline right after the break.
Antony’s first goal of the 2023/24 campaign put Man United ahead again. Rasmus Hojlund ensured that County did not make a late comeback by scoring United’s fourth goal in injury time.
Man United will face either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the domestic competition.
Let’s get into some player ratings.
Player Ratings
Altay Bayindir – 6/10
The goalkeeper couldn’t do anything about either goal. Bayindir looked slightly nervous with his distribution, but that is understandable for a debutant.
Diogo Dalot – 6/10
Dalot was found missing when the hosts exploited the United’s right flank to equalise.
He supported the attack well and also earned a fine assist for Mainoo’s strike.
Raphael Varane – 5/10
The Frenchman allowed Will Evans to get across him too easily for the equaliser.
Lisandro Martinez – 7/10
Seeing the fans’ favourite fit enough to start the game was great. His progressive passes and long balls helped United to get out of their half.
It was an excellent shot from his weaker right foot that Antony turned in.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Shaw is a key cog of this Man United team. His presence at the left-back helps the team function better.
Casemiro – 5/10
A big positive to see the former Real Madrid man back on the pitch after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He looked a bit ragged and picked up a needless booking.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7/10
The 18-year-old started as a number eight and scored his first senior goal with aplomb.
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
The United’s skipper scored an early goal to calm down a few nerves but should have bagged a couple more goals from the many cutbacks he received right at the edge of the box.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5/10
He was not at his usual best, as his decision-making with the final pass let him down.
Antony – 6/10
The Brazilian winger finally got off the mark, bagging his first goal and first assist for the season. However, his overall attacking play was once again poor.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6/10
Hojlund looked frustrated the whole game due to lack of service before turning in a scrappy goal in the final moments of the game.
Substitutes
Scott McTominay – 6/10
The midfielder played a part in United’s fourth goal.
Willy Kambwala – 6/10
The youngster replaced Luke Shaw to help see the result out.
Harry Maguire – N/A
Too late to rate.
Omari Forson – N/A
Too late to rate.
Jonny Evans – N/A
Too late to rate.
