IT’S LIFT-OFF AT LAST FOR ANTONY

THERE proved to be some significant firsts at Newport’s Rodney Parade.

Manchester United’s prodigiously talented young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo scored his first goal for the club. There was also a milestone for £82million winger Antony, who went into the fourth-round tie without a goal or an assist in 22 games this season.

For the fourth most expensive signing in United’s illustrious history, failing to register a goal or assist more than halfway through a campaign takes some doing. But here, against spirited League Two opposition, the Brazilian winger finally managed to break his duck.

United boss Erik ten Hag has blamed off-field issues for the 23-year-old’s dramatic loss of form this season.

Whatever the reasons, Antony can consider himself lucky Ten Hag has kept faith in him.

Despite his assist and goal, this was another frustrating performance, one United fans have come to expect from a player who has failed to justify his exorbitant price-tag. Too often here, Antony (left) passed sideways or backwards, with no service at all to United’s front man Rasmus Hojlund.

Hojlund was not the only United player to show his frustration with Antony. When Newport equalised to make it 2-2, Diogo Dalot made clear his dismay with Antony for his culpability in the United attack that broke down moments before the hosts levelled.

Yet Antony found himself in the right place at the right time when a 68th-minute shot from Luke Shaw rebounded off a post and into the path of the United winger, who calmly steered it into the net.

He sank to his knees in celebration, pointing skywards and taking in the acclaim from United fans.

It will take more than an assist and a goal against lower-league opposition to vindicate his signing, but Antony’s contribution could yet prove to be a defining moment in his season.