Kobbie Mainoo scored his first Manchester United goal as the Red Devils survived Newport County scare to qualify for 2023/24 FA Cup quarterfinals, LCSoccerHub Reports.
It was a dicey affair for under-pressure gaffer Erik ten Hag, who needed a win to keep Manchsster United’s trophy hopes alive this season.
After crashing out of the group stages of the Champions League, knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United, and written off the Premier League title race, the club needed a win against Newport County to retain title hopes.
As expected, United started the game on the front foot and quickly took the lead in the 7th minute with Bruno Fernandes’ goal.
Six minutes after Fernandes’ strike, Kobbie Mainoo came up clutch for the Red Devils, doubling the lead to set the Old Trafford club en route to victory.
Newport County weren’t ready to give up without a fight. Struggling to match United’s dominant display, they defended heavily but maintained a good attacking flair when winning possession.
In the 36th minute, Manchester United were dealt a heavy blow when Morris halved the deficit before the break.
Two minutes into the second, the Red Devils were surprisingly pegged back to a 2-2 draw in a flash. Evans scored the equaliser for the home side in the 47nd minute.
In the 68th minute, United found their way back into the game. Antony broke his 22-match scoreless run for the Red Devils this season, scoring to make it 3-2.
Newport County countered United’s dominance with some promising attacking charge but were finally dealt a blow when Rasmus Hojlund scored in stoppage time to wrapped up a 4-2 victory for the Red Devils.
United will now take on the winner between Bristol City and Nottingham Forest in the last 8 of the competition.