The match between Newport County and Manchester United in the FA Cup Fourth Round was an exciting encounter that saw Manchester United narrowly escape a major upset. Below is a detailed timeline of the match, highlighting key moments, goals, and match events.
Match Overview
Date: Sunday, 28th January 2024
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Full-Time Score: Newport County 2–4 Manchester United
Attendance: 9,086
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for Manchester United fans. Despite a strong start, the team had to fight back after Newport County leveled the score following two quick goals. Ultimately, Manchester United sealed the victory with two late goals, progressing to the next round of the FA Cup.
First Half: United’s Early Dominance
7′ – Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for Manchester United with a well-executed move down the left involving Antony and Luke Shaw. Fernandes calmly slotted the ball into the net to give United the early lead.
13′ – Six minutes after Fernandes’ opener, Kobbie Mainoo scored his first senior goal for United. Mainoo’s strike doubled the visitors’ advantage, giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead.
36′ – Newport County responded with a stunning goal by Bryn Morris. A thunderous shot deflected off United’s Lisandro Martínez, beating debutant goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The goal revitalized Newport and reduced United’s lead to 2-1.
Second Half: Newport’s Resilience and United’s Response
47′ – Just two minutes into the second half, Will Evans of Newport scored, leveling the match at 2-2. His goal came from a low cross, and Evans finished calmly, sending shockwaves through the Manchester United camp.
68′ – United regained the lead thanks to Antony. Despite a frustrating match in front of goal, Antony found the net with his 33rd shot of the season, bringing the score to 3-2.
90+4′ – In the dying moments of the game, Rasmus Højlund sealed the win for Manchester United. Højlund bundled the ball home from close range to make it 4-2, ensuring United’s passage to the next round.
Key Player Performances
Manchester United:
Bruno Fernandes (1 goal) – Played a key role in setting the tone with his early goal.
Kobbie Mainoo (1 goal) – Scored his first senior goal to give United an early advantage.
Antony (1 goal) – His goal was crucial in restoring United’s lead after Newport’s equalizer.
Rasmus Højlund (1 goal) – Scored the final goal to confirm United’s victory.
Newport County:
Bryn Morris (1 goal) – Scored a sensational long-range strike to pull one back for Newport.
Will Evans (1 goal) – Equalized for Newport in the second half, making it 2-2 and igniting the hopes of a potential upset.
Key Takeaways
Manchester United’s Resilience: Despite a strong start, United faced a challenge after Newport leveled the score. Their resilience, especially with late goals from Antony and Højlund, ensured they moved on to the fifth round.
Newport’s Fightback: Newport County proved to be a tough opponent, not backing down even when they were 2-0 down. Their two goals, particularly Evans’ strike in the second half, showed the team’s courage and potential.
Player Performances: Both teams showcased individual brilliance, with Mainoo’s debut goal and Antony’s much-needed strike for United, while Morris and Evans kept Newport’s dreams alive until the final minutes.
Conclusion
The Newport County vs Manchester United match in the FA Cup was a thrilling encounter with dramatic highs and lows. Manchester United eventually triumphed 4-2, but Newport County made them work for it. The game demonstrated the unpredictability of the FA Cup, where lower-league sides often pose challenges to the Premier League giants. United will now look ahead to their next match, where they will aim to continue their run in the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When did the match take place?
The match took place in January 2024.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at Rodney Parade Stadium, the home ground of Newport County.
What was the final score?
Manchester United won the match 4-2.
Did Newport County score first?
No, Manchester United scored the first two goals.
Was this a historic match for Newport County?
Yes, it was a historic occasion for Newport County, as they faced one of the biggest clubs in world football.
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