United, Reds into the next round
FA CUP: LATE GOALS SAVE TEN HAG’S MEN AT NEWPORT
Manchester United survived a major FA Cup scare from Newport County as Antony’s first goal this season inspired a dramatic 4-2 victory over the fourthtier minnows yesterday.
Erik ten Hag’s side were in danger of falling victim to an epic giant-killing after blowing a twogoal lead at Rodney Parade.
Bruno Fernandes put United ahead and Kobbie Mainoo’s first goal for the club doubled their lead in the first half of the fourth round clash.
But Bryn Morris pulled one back for plucky Newport – currently 16th in League Two – bere Will Evans rocked United with his second half equaliser.
With United wobbling, Antony was their unlikely saviour as the Brazil forward bagged his first goal since April after a difficult campaign marred by poor form and domestic violence allegations that he denies.
Rasmus Hojlund put a flattering gloss on the scoreline for United when he netted in stoppage-time.
United’s victory came on another problematic day for Ten Hag, who had to fend off reports of a row with Marcus Rashford.
Ten Hag, whose side are languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, explained Rashford’s absence from the team by saying he had “reported ill”.
However, reports claimed the 26-year-old England forward had been in a nightclub in Northern Ireland on Thursday evening, hours before failing to attend training on Friday.
Asked specifically about that Ten Hag said, “It’s an internal matter. I will deal with it.”
All the ingredients for a shock were there, given United’s spluttering form this term and Newport’s past FA Cup heroics.
A raucous crowd, some waving homemade tinfoil FA Cups, crammed into the tiny, ramshackle stadium in the hope of witnessing history.
▶ Liverpool remained in the hunt to send Juergen Klopp off with a quadruple after they beat Norwich 5-2, with the manager admitting he’d have to be “made of wood” to remain untouched by the affection in which he is held.
Klopp was greeted by an emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before kick-off and banners of thanks in the first match since the German announced his decision to leave at the end of the season.
“It’s emotional but I have to pull myself together. I received all the messages. I’m not made of wood,” said Klopp on dealing with the emotion.