United travel to South Wales on Sunday afternoon for the fourth round of the FA Cup against League 2 Newport County
It’s United’s last realistic chance of a trophy, and Erik Ten Hag will be desperate to go one step further than least season, where United lost a low-quality FA Cup final to Manchester City, paving the way for their – many would argue – ‘tainted’ treble.
Like in the last round against Wigan Athletic, United our strong favourites to win and will be expected to do so comfortably. However, this is the FA Cup anything can happen. The other MUFC, Maidstone United of the National League South, have just gone awa beaten Championship high-flyers Ipswich away from home!
Joe Smith and Jay Motty preview tomorrow’s FA Cup tie
Return of the big guns?
As mentioned before, Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United are desperate for more silverware this season, and there will be no underestimating any of our FA Cup opponents.
United’s talismans Casemiro and Martinez could be fit for selection tomorrow and Luke Shaw is also set to return, with Harry Maguire having recently returned to training. The South American duo were instrumental in United’s success last season, and are both real fan favourites, as well as being exceptional players. It will be a huge boost around the club to have these two – and the excellent Luke Shaw – back available.
Manchester United team news
As above, United could have both Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Luke Shaw available for tomorrow.
Turkish goalkeeper Atlay Bayindir is set to make his United debut as Andre Onana is away at the AFCON, as is Sofyan Amrabat..
Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans are set to miss out due to illness and Anthony Martial begins his ten-week absence after groin surgery, while Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia are still injured.
United predicted XI
Bayindir;
Wan-Bissaka, Martinez, Varane, Shaw;
Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainoo;
Garnacho, Hojlund, Antony.
Opposition Preview and form guide
Having not watched Newport week-in, week-out, it’s difficult to know how they’re playing and what to expect.
They are a mid-to-lower table League 2 team; currently sitting in 16th place (out of 24) – nowhere near title contention but relatively safe from relegation. They needed a draw to get past non-league Eastleigh in the the third round, but do seem to be in a decent run of form, and are unbeaten in their last 7 games.
Newport last 6 games (all competitions): DDDWWW
United have been in indifferent form recently, but obviously have faced a much higher standard of opposition.
United last 6 games (all competitions): DLWLWD
Prediction
United have put on too few good performances this season, and have been far too incosnsistent.
However, their is a gaping gulf in quality between the two teams, and even an average United display should be enough to get past the Welsh side, as it was against Wigan Athletic in the third round, where United coasted to an uninspiring 2-0 victory,
With respect to Newport County, it’s difficult to see how United can mess this one up, given the talent on display and return of some huge players. Famous last words…
We’re predicting a fairly comfortable win, and looking forward to seeing the return of some of our best players.
Prediction: Newport 0-3 United
