Manchester United are into the fifth round of the FA Cup after, eventually, getting past Newport in the fourth round, with goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund sealing the deal.
Fernandes and Mainoo’s strikes came early in the first half but Newport fought their way back into the game, equalising just minutes into the second half.
United were far from impressive during that period but an opportunist goal from Antony meant they could see the rest of the game out and Hojlund then put it beyond any doubt.
Man United Player Ratings
Altay Bayindir – 6
Can’t really be blamed for any of the goals. Did well when challenged. Took a bit of a rollicking from Lisandro Martinez when he poorly controlled a backpass.
Diogo Dalot – 6
A pretty ordinary performance from the Portuguese international.
Raphael Varane – 5
Good in periods but not his best outing.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
What a feeling it is to have him back in the squad. He’ll only get better.
Luke Shaw – 6
Heavily involved in the winning goal. Another huge return to the squad.
Casemiro – 6
Speaking of important players returning, this is a big one. Hopefully, he can stay fit for the rest of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Some talent United have on their hands.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Hojlund was not afraid to voice his frustrations with the Argentinian. Chose to shoot multiple times when passing was the better option.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
You can just see that he’s the main man. Everything goes through him. When it doesn’t, chances are that United aren’t going to create anything.
Antony – 6
That could be a huge goal for him after a difficult season.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
Three goals in three games after a long goal drought.
Blimey, these are niggardly awards. All players should be up by 1, Shaw & Garnacho: up by 2. Yes, Garnacho made some wrong decisions with the impetuosity of youth, but he represented a serious threat throughout with his speed and trickery. And he’ll learn.
Decent debut from Bayindir – worth a 7 in my book. Less impressed with Casemiro’s return.