Match report: Newport County 2 Manchester United 4

SECOND HALF – UNITED DO ENOUGH

Although Antony had already hooked an overhead effort off target, there was a terrible start to the second period by United. Adam Lewis was afforded lots of space on the left and delivered a centre that allowed Will Evans to get across Raphael Varane and finish smartly, with the shot going in off the Frenchman.

Sensing an upset, the Welsh side seized the initiative and were making life more than awkward for Ten Hag’s men. There was a clear chance to restore the lead, when Antony kept the ball in and found Hojlund, but the Dane’s lay-off was hit straight at Townsend by Fernandes.

Newport enjoyed a good spell, raising their hopes of an almighty giantkilling, but they were fortunate when Martinez got on the end of a Shaw cross and the ball bounced off Hojlund, but went the wrong side of the post, from a United perspective. With 68 minutes on the clock, there was a sense of relief when Shaw turned down an initial opportunity to shoot, instead bending one with his right boot. The ball came back off the far post and Antony was on hand to steer it in, with his right foot, to regain the lead.

Garnacho often found himself in dangerous positions but the finish continued to desert the winger, with Townsend comfortably keeping another effort out, following a tremendous pass by Mainoo.

As nine minutes of injury time were announced, largely due to a medical issue involving a spectator, Will Evans fired a long-ranger wide as County battled for a famous result.

However, United clinched a fifth-round tie, away to either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest, when Hojlund converted a loose ball inside the box, after Garnacho freed substitute Omari Forson, who was denied by Townsend. There was still time for Bayindir to push over a James Waite attempt.