29 January 2024 , 00:31
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Erik ten Hag handed Newport County boss Graham Coughlan a bottle of red wine, handpicked by Sir Alex Ferguson, after their impressive FA Cup journey came to an end.
The Welsh side were major underdogs as they took on Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. It looked as if the League Two outfit were in for a tough time when United took an early two-goal lead only to half the deficit by half-time and then level, which saw Rodney Parade erupt.
United scored twice to ensure a 4-2 victory, but Ten Hag was full of respect for his opposite number, presenting him with a small gift after the dust had settled as the pair enjoyed a moment pitchside. The Dutchman confirmed that it was Ferguson who had chosen the specific bottle of red.
He said: "We have a small gift for you." Coughlan then joked: "You know I don't drink wine, I only drink Budweiser." Ten Hag continued: "But this is a really good one, chosen by Sir Alex, so maybe your wife will enjoy it".
Newport's FA Cup journey began in the first round back in November when they saw off Oldham Athletic. They've since beaten Barnet and Eastleigh, both games requiring replays, before they got their dream tie on their own patch. United, who beat Wigan Athletic in the third round, will now face Bristol City or Nottingham Forest.
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Despite being pegged back by their League Two opponents United were dominant early on and may well have been out of sight had they been more clinical. Ten Hag admitted they could've been clear, but was frustrated that Newport were allowed back into the game.
Erik ten Hag dished out a bottle of red to his opposite numberHe said: "I think job done. In the first 25 minutes, on our side, we were very good and controlled the game. We had the possession and were really controlling it very good. We scored two very good goals and were creating one, two or three more, and it could have been 3-0 or 4-0.
"Out of nothing, actually, they scored a goal. Then, straight after half-time, they scored another goal and I have to criticise the team for that. Then we started all over and showed character and resilience, fought back and got the third and fourth goal."
The FA Cup represents United's only realistic chance of silverware this term with Ten Hag aiming to go one better than last season when his side were beaten in the final by Manchester City.