Man Utd escape FA Cup upset but alarm bells are ringing for Erik ten Hag
For 21 incredible minutes, it felt like one of the great FA Cup upsets was coming to Newport.
Rodney Parade buzzed with excitement as no-one could quite believe what they were seeing. From 2-0 up, mighty Manchester United were pegged back to 2-2 and were on the ropes.
League Two minnows Newport County, 73 places below the Premier League giants, showed incredible character and passion in a cup tie no-one among the 9,086 crowd will ever forget. Newport were fabulous as they raised their game, got in United’s faces and made it a very uncomfortable cup tie for the visitors.
And even though United came through in the end, the alarm bells should be ringing for Erik ten Hag. This was a strong United line-up, no-one was rested and yet the way they crumbled must be a concern.
Every game feels like the manager and his squad are on trial with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looming large in the background as the British billionaire looks to complete his deal for a 25 per cent stake in the club. And the harsh reality is that not enough United players are delivering - no matter the scoreline. Sloppy defending, clumsy mistakes and letting the intensity slip.
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But also Marcus Rashford going AWOL, being pictured in a nightclub in Belfast on Thursday night and Ten Hag having to answer awkward questions about the whereabouts of his England forward who did not make the squad. What does that say about the culture at Old Trafford?
No wonder United have got problems. And that is why opponents think they are vulnerable and are ready to have a go. The problem for Newport was that they did not realise United have vulnerabilities until they were 2-0 down.
United got off to a flier as Luke Shaw broke down the left, Antony set up Bruno Fernandes and the visiting captain unleashed a superb low shot into the net. It was 2-0 after 13 minutes. Diogo Dalot cut the ball back for 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo and the United youngster swept home his first goal for the club. What a player he is going to be.
Erik ten Hag breathed a sigh of relief but he must be concerned about his Man Utd side (Offside via Getty Images)United should have made it 3-0 when Alejandro Garnacho went for goal and smashed the bar rather than square it for Fernandes who had a tap-in. Then Newport stepped it up and turned the game. United did not deal with Newport keeper Nick Townsend’s long clearance, the ball came back for Bryn Morris and his 25 yard half volley deflected in off Lisandro Martinez. Suddenly it was game on.
Two minutes after the restart, Newport were level. Adam Lewis crossed and there was Will Evans to fire past keeper Altay Bayindir who was in for Andre Onana who was missing on AFCON duty. The home fans have been treated to some great cup ties. Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester City. A win over United would have been their greatest story.
United were rocking. But fit-again Shaw and Casemiro did give them more stability. Martinez is such a quality player. That extra bit of class and quality ultimately saw them through.
Rasmus Hojlund rounded off the win in injury-time but questions must be asked of United (PA)Shaw cut into the box, his shot hit the post and then Antony put in the rebound after 68 minutes. The Brazil winger sank to his knees and prayed to the heavens as if he had won the World Cup. Someone could do with having a word with him.
Both sides rang the changes and the game faded out. United had time for one more in the 94th minute. Substitute Omari Forson went through, his shot was blocked by Townsend and then Rasmus Hojlund put in the rebound.
Job done. United came through the scare but Newport proved the FA Cup is better than ever.
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