Manchester United faced a tough challenge in the FA Cup but managed to secure their place in the fifth round thanks to impressive performances from Luke Shaw and Alejandro Garnacho. However, Rasmus Hojlund had a difficult day despite scoring a late goal.
Shaw and Garnacho were the standout players for United, effortlessly cutting through Newport’s defense, especially in the early stages of the game. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring, followed by a goal from Kobbie Mainoo, making the game comfortable for United within just 13 minutes.
However, Newport staged a valiant comeback that few would have expected. Bryn Morris’ long-range strike deflected in, and Will Evans equalized just after half-time. It seemed like United might fold under pressure as they had done in previous matches, but they regrouped and showed composure.
Once again, Shaw played a key role, entering the box and unleashing a curling effort that hit the post. Fortunately for United, Antony was there to score from the rebound. The 12-time FA Cup winners sealed the victory with a late fourth goal, as Garnacho provided a clever assist to Mainoo, whose shot was stopped but Hojlund slotted the ball into an empty net.
Despite the scoreline, credit must be given to Newport for their valiant effort, considering the difference in league position between the two teams.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the individual player performances:
Altay Bayındır – 5
The debutant goalkeeper could not have done much to save the first goal, as the ball was deflected beyond his reach. He could have been more aggressive in coming out to stop the second goal, but once the connection was made, he had no chance. Overall, he showed his capabilities with a brilliant save to tip a late long-range effort over the bar.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Dalot provided a good cross that led to Mainoo’s goal, but he left too much space on the left flank, allowing Newport to equalize.
Raphael Varane – 4
Varane lost track of his runner and was beaten to the cross, resulting in Newport’s equalizer. He looked somewhat slow and contributed to United’s vulnerable backline.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Martinez was unfortunate to divert Morris’ shot into his own net. His performance was not much better than his center-back partner, but it is worth noting that he has recently returned from injury.
Luke Shaw – 8
Shaw was instrumental in United’s devastating left flank attacks. His pass set up Fernandes’ goal, and he linked up well with Garnacho. Shaw’s curling effort hit the post and Antony was there to score from the rebound.
Casemiro – 5
Returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, Casemiro showed some signs of rustiness but also demonstrated his quality with clever passes in midfield. However, he was slow in transition and allowed Newport’s attackers too much time and space.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Mainoo showcased his class by scoring his first professional goal, expertly converting Dalot’s cross. He kept things ticking over in midfield but, like Casemiro, allowed opponents too much space at times.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Fernandes demonstrated his brilliance by taking his goal brilliantly, drilling the ball low and hard beyond the goalkeeper. He was effective on the break and linked well with Garnacho.
Antony – 6
Antony was much livelier than in recent matches and made the most of his freedom to roam in the attacking final third. He scored the rebound from Shaw’s shot, positioning himself perfectly.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Garnacho was electric in the first half, combining well with Fernandes and Antony. Although he came close to scoring with a shot that hit the crossbar, he was sometimes a bit selfish and did not always make the right pass.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
Hojlund had a minimal impact on the game, but he did set up Fernandes with a chance that the captain should have buried. He will need to improve in the upcoming match against Wolves.
Substitutes
Scott McTominay (for Casemiro, 82 mins) – 6
McTominay provided energy late in the game, helping maintain pressure on Newport and contributing to United’s fourth goal.
Willy Kambala (for Shaw, 82 mins) – 6
Kambala had little to do but gained valuable minutes on the pitch.
Manchester United showcased their resilience and quality to secure their place in the FA Cup’s fifth round. The standout performances of Luke Shaw and Alejandro Garnacho were crucial in overcoming Newport’s valiant effort. United will now look ahead to their upcoming match against Wolves on Thursday.