Manchester United create more drama on and off the pitch in Newport win

If Sir Dave Brailsford wants a memento from his visit to Rodney Parade, it has to be a picture of the scoreboard after 47 minutes. It read ‘County 2-2 Man Utd’.

That is another damning image to be added to the album of United’s latest annus horribilis. “2-0 and you f—-d it up,” roared the Newport natives. United eventually made up for it.

This is supposed to be something close to resembling United’s strongest XI. They skulked back to their positions without uttering a word while Will Evans was mobbed by jubilant teammates.

United at least avoided the ignominy of a replay, even if they can barely go a matchday without any drama. Antony was so sheepish to have regained United’s lead he thanked the Almighty for his first goal since April.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs Newport

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Modesty was warranted. Antony was fortunate to still be on, never mind have started. Nobody is pretending a tap-in against the 84th-placed team out of the 92 in the Football League doubles as a turning point for Antony. He only remained on beyond the hour out of the blind loyalty of the manager who urged United to invest £86.3million in him.

It was apposite an unloved and exorbitant signing secured a fifth round tie at Bristol City or Nottingham Forest next month. United have been winning without convincing all season and this was another victory of that ilk. This was only the fourth victory by a margin of at least two goals.

Such is the soap opera at United, struggling past League Two fodder is compounded by the latest chastening chapter in Marcus Rashford’s season. He was officially missing through illness, though Erik ten Hag ominously promised he will “deal with… an internal matter”. Rashford was