Newport County give Man Utd real scare in FA Cup but bow out despite comeback

Newport County’s hopes of an FA Cup fairytale were ended in heartbreaking fashion as they were beaten 4-2 by Manchester United despite a heroic comeback at Rodney Parade.

Bruno Fernandes’ fine strike opened the scoring after six minutes before teenager Kobbie Mainoo doubled the Premier League giants’ lead with his first United goal. The hosts looked down and out before a wonder goal from Bryn Morris brought them back into the fourth round tie before half-time.

Will Evans sent the County fans into raptures when he equalised moments into the second-half and suddenly all the momentum seemed to be with the home side. But Antony’s rebound finish and Rasmus Hojlund’s injury-time goal made it safe for the Red Devils, who will now face either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in the next round.

READ MORE: Fans watch Newport County v Man Utd from scaffolding as Gary Lineker cracks gag live on air

READ MORE: Newport County v Man Utd match stopped after medical emergency in crowd

Erik ten Hag’s side arrived in south Wales knowing the FA Cup was their best chance of winning silverware this season, and the United manager fielded a strong side including former Real Madrid star Casemiro and £82m striker Rasmus Hojlund. Marcus Rashford, however, was absent for what ten Hag described as an “internal matter”.

It seemed like it was going to be a long night for County when Fernandes put United in front with a well-taken effort and Mainoo’s first-time strike doubled their lead with just quarter of an hour on the clock.

Graham Coughlan’s side grew into the game, however, with Morris’ ambitious long-range effort taking a deflection as it sailed past debutant Altay Bayindir in the United goal to bring them back into it. Former farmer Evans then