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Man Utd player ratings vs Newport County: Antony saves the day! Welsh minnows stage shock comeback against ragged Red Devils before Brazilian bundles them out of jail and Rasmus Hojlund makes sure

Manchester United are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup but it was anything but pretty and it was certainly not enjoyable as they scraped past minnows Newport County in south Wales, winning 4-2 after reclaiming a lead which they had inexplicably squandered.

Lovely strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo inside the first 13 minutes got United off to an ideal start and should have settled their nerves in the uneasy surroundings, but Erik ten Hag's side got too complacent and let the League Two side back into the game.

Bryn Morris let one fly before half-time and beat United's debutant goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to breathe life into the game and Newport built on the momentum when Will Evans, who grew up working on a farm, slid in an equaliser.

Newport's delirious fans could almost touch a replay at Old Trafford and even dreamt of knocking the dysfunctional United out, but the Red Devils' quality eventually made the difference.

Antony guided the ball into the net after a wicked shot from Luke Shaw had struck the far post to put United back in front in the 68th minute and Rasmus Hojlund scored in added time to allow the visitors to breathe more easily.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Rodney Parade...

  • Dalot-Man-UtdGetty

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Altay Bayindir (5/10):

    Not the debut he would have dreamed of. Caught out by Morris' deflected strike and should have commanded his box better for Evans' goal. Did at least demonstrate confidence with his footwork and an acrobatic late save will boost his confidence.

    Diogo Dalot (7/10):

    One of the few United players willing to dig deep and fight.

    Raphael Varane (5/10):

    Not strong enough against Evans for the equaliser.

    Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

    Used the ball well, setting up Garnacho to hit the crossbar.

    Luke Shaw (6/10):

    Was put to the test but his quality helped United reassert themselves.

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  • Fernandes-Man-UtdGetty

    Midfield

    Kobbie Mainoo (7/10):

    Go his first United goal with a fine finish and helped them control the first half but couldn't keep it up.

    Casemiro (6/10):

    Made his first start in almost three months and looked a little rusty.

    Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

    United's most dominant player and scored a fine goal to boot.

  • Antony-Garnacho-Man-UtdGetty

    Attack

    Antony (6/10):

    A paradoxical game. Got an assist and a goal but looked clumsy and ineffective for most of the match.

    Rasmus Hojlund (6/10):

    Got more dangerous as the game progressed and after missing a good chance he made amends by putting the result beyond doubt.

    Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

    Another strong performance. Always looking dangerous and ready to make things happen.

  • Erik ten Hag Manchester United 2023-24Getty

    Subs & Manager

    Scott McTominay (N/A):

    Gave United another focal point in attack and it paid off.

    Willy Kambwala (N/A):

    Helped see the result out with a competent cameo display.

    Omari Forson (N/A):

    Made a rare outing in the 88th minute, his second appearance for the first team.

    Harry Maguire (N/A):

    Made his comeback from six weeks out injured in the 89th minute.

    Jonny Evans (N/A):

    Brought on in the 96th minute.

    Erik ten Hag (5/10):

    Another unflattering performance in which his side again demonstrated their vulnerability to throwing away leads.