Mata’s strike denies Wolves as Cardiff edge thiller
Juan Mata’s second-half strike saw Manchester United advance to the FA Cup fourth round but their 1-0 victory over Wolves was soured by an injury scare to Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford.
Mata skilfully lifted over Wolves goalkeeper John Ruddy midway through the second half but, four days before a visit to league leaders Liverpool, Rashford hobbled off 15 minutes after coming off the bench in the 64th minute.
He was clutching his back as he made his way off, putting a dampener on an evening where United had to ride their luck to set up a clash with either Watford or Tranmere.
Pedro Neto had a goal ruled out by VAR because of Raul Jimenez’s inadvertent handball before providing the assist early on in this third round reply while Matt Doherty headed against the post.
But United, who failed to have a shot on target in the 0-0 draw at Molineux 10 days ago, largely bossed the second half and just deserved to shade the tie.
The winner came in the 67th minute when a routine ball forward to the halfway line caused havoc in Wolves’ back-line. Anthony Martial sent Mata in on goal and he held his nerve to exquisitely chip over the advancing Ruddy.
In last night’s other replay, Cardiff edged a seven-goal thriller against Carlisle at Brunton Park.
Carlisle scored through Nathan Thomas’ 20-yard shot before Aden Flint headed in Will Vaulks’ long throw to equalise
Following the break, Flint’s second goal and a Danny Ward strike proved enough despite two goals from Harry Mckirdy for the home side, who were narrowly beaten 4-3.