Manchester United kept their hopes of winning a trophy this season alive as they secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory over League Two side Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The match was played at Rodney Parade, where just over 9,000 people gathered to witness what was expected to be a significant game for Newport County, with the match predicted to earn the team around £400,000.
Erik ten Hag’s side started the game strongly, racing into a two-goal lead within the first fifteen minutes.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for United, following a slick build-up play down the left involving Antony and Luke Shaw.
Kobbie Mainoo doubled the lead six minutes later, scoring his first senior goal.
Despite the early setback, Newport County refused to buckle under pressure, and they managed to pull a goal back through Bryn Morris’ thunderbolt, which deflected off Lisandro Martinez and beat debutant Altay Bayindir in the United goal.
United’s lead was further threatened when Will Evans, a boyhood United fan who was a dairy farmer just three years ago, scored his 19th goal of the campaign to level the proceedings two minutes into the second half.
Antony, who had been frustrated by Newport County’s goalkeeper Nick Townsend throughout the game, finally got his goal, scoring his sixth goal of the tie and restoring United’s lead.
Rasmus Hojlund then bundled home from close range in stoppage time to ensure United’s victory.
The win was vital for United, who have had a challenging season, languishing eighth in the Premier League and being eliminated from European competition before Christmas.
With their Carabao Cup defense also over, the FA Cup has taken on extra significance as their only potential route to win a trophy this season.
It was why Ten Hag went with a strong team selection, and his side showed great character to secure the victory and book an away tie against either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in round five.
However, the game was not without controversy, as Marcus Rashford was absent from the squad due to what Ten Hag described as “an internal matter” after the forward was photographed in Belfast earlier in the week.
Despite the brief flicker of chaos that has punctuated Manchester United’s season, the team showed grit and determination to overcome a spirited Newport County side and keep their hopes of winning a trophy this season alive.
