Manchester United booked their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup this evening after overseeing a 4-2 win over Newport County.
The Red Devils led 2-0 inside 13 minutes thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, the latter of which marked a maiden senior goal for the teenage starlet.
Contributions on either side of half time saw the League Two side draw level in the 47th minute, sending Rodney Parade into hysterics over the prospect of knocking out the 20-time champions.
However, Antony was later able to capitalise on Luke Shaw’s effort deflecting off the woodwork to tap the ball into an almost empty net and open his account for the season after 23 appearances. Rasmus Hojlund sealed the win – and United’s progression – in the fourth minute of injury time.
Ten Hag’s post-match reaction
Speaking post-match, Erik ten Hag was evidently frustrated at his side’s showing; the scoreline flatters United as they often looked second best against a team in the fourth tier.
“The first 35 mins we were very comfortable leading. Leading 2-0 but it should have been 3-0 or 4-0. They [Newport] created no chance then out of nothing – there was also a foul – they score,” the manager said, as cited by the Metro.
“Straight after half-time we make a mistake during defensive transition – not great. Then you have to start again to win this game but then we did, boys well done. We controlled the game but then maybe we went a bit slower but then we had chances for 3-0 with Garnacho the crossbar with two players across the goal and then Antony had some chances. They [Newport] had nothing, but then they score a goal.”
