Man Utd reaches FA Cup fourth round
Ralf Rangnick admitted Manchester United (Man Utd) was far from perfect despite getting a much-needed 1-0 win over Aston Villa to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Scott McTominay headed home the only goal after just eight minutes, but Villa were left to rue a host of missed chances and a controversial VAR review that ruled out an equalizer from Danny Ings in the second half.
Interim manager Rangnick desperately needed a response to a week of unrest in the United camp that followed a dismal performance in losing 1-0 at home to Wolves.
One big decision was taken out of the German’s hands as Cristiano Ronaldo was not fit to feature.
But there was little improvement in the performance despite holding out to set up a fourth round clash at home to Middlesbrough.
“To say that this was a perfect game, nobody would believe that. Of course it was not,” said
Rangnick.
“We still have quite a few things we can get better at, but a clean sheet was important today and we worked together. Still a lot of things to improve but it is easier to do that with a 1-0 win.”
United got the start they needed to settle the nerves as Fred’s perfect cross picked out McTominay to power in a downward header.
However, all of the shortcomings that have dogged a shambolic season under two managers for the Red Devils were soon revealed as Villa dominated the game.
Ollie Watkins failed to turn home a corner at the back post, Emiliano Buendia’s drive across goal just evaded Ings and David de Gea produced a stunning save to deny John McGinn as the visitors passed up a hat trick of chances in quick succession.