Manchester United are through to the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup after a 4-2 win over Newport County at Rodney Parade.
Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo struck in the first half for Manchester United in Wales and despite the pressure being cranked up on Erik ten Hag’s side after the hosts drew the game level, the Red Devils got the win thanks to an Antony goal and a late tap in from Rasmus Hojlund.
Ten Hag has had to deal with more off-field issues as Marcus Rashford was absent from the United team due to an ‘illness’ but his side picked up the crucial win.
Here are five things we learned.
Mainoo’s brilliant performance
The teenage midfielder has caused quite the stir this campaign as the 18-year-old has really exploded onto the big stage and put in another brilliant performance for the Red Devils.
He took his goal in brilliant fashion for the Red Devils as he swept the ball into the bottom corner after a lovely cutback from Diogo Dalot.
Apart from the goal, it was another assured performance from the English teenager and he looks to be settling in more and more as the season progresses.
Martinez and Casemiro return
Two players who were vital for the Red Devils last season made their return as Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro were back in the first team after a long spell out injured.
The Argentine defender pirouetted away from the Newport attack and his presence in the back four helped the Red Devils as his progressive passes and long balls to Alejandro Garnacho opened the game up.
As for Casemiro, the Brazilian looked a bit more ragged and struggled to keep up at times but the new pairing of the former Real Madrid man and Mainoo certainly looks to have some potential.
Antony frustration
One player who certainly frustrated more than most was Antony. Once again, the former Ajax winger struggled to create chances and had multiple goalbound efforts which he skied.
During the week, the Brazilian’s agent confirmed that he would be remaining in Manchester but his struggles continue.
His selfishness, along with Garnacho who could have made the game safe in the first half, meant that Newport always felt like they could come back into the contest.
Antony netted the crucial third goal for United after Luke Shaw’s shot hit the post but his general play was once again poor.
Altay’s nervy debut
It was a United debut for Altay Bayindir but the Turkish goalkeeper looked to be a bit nervy but couldn’t have done anything about the two goals that the Welsh side scored.
With Andre Onana’s Cameroon being knocked out of the Africa Cup Of Nations, the former Ajax goalkeeper may well be back for United’s game against Wolves at Molineux.
Bayindir didn’t cover himself in glory on his debut and the 25-year-old may well see himself relegated back to the substitute’s bench for the next game.
What this means for United
It’s a rather concerning performance for the Red Devils, especially considering they were two goals up against the EFL side but they found a way through in the end.
It will be another away tie against Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in the next round, which represents another difficult task for the Red Devils.
In the Premier League, the Red Devils will take on Wolves and the pressure is only going to increase on Ten Hag with performances like this.