SMcT with the winner

By Chris O'Brien
January 11 2022

Ralf Rangnick's Manchester United secured a spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup, but the boss will feel more than a little fortunate following a nervy 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

Steven Gerrard got a predictably hostile reception, as the former Liverpool talisman brought his Midlands outfit to the North West.

The majority of the 72,911 in attendance went home happy - as the Red Devils remain in the world's greatest Cup competition; but it wasn't without a heavy dose of luck.

As reports of unrest in the camp continue, United got off to an excellent start as Scott McTominay nodded home a weighted cross from the underappreciated Fred to break the deadlock after only eight minutes.

It proved the only goal of the game - but the travelling Villa fans will have watched on in disbelief as they controlled the game for long periods, and had two goals chalked off by VAR.

The first, in particular, was controversial - a farcically long check ultimately ruled that Villa's Jacob Ramsey had impeded Edinson Cavani, meaning a goal that without video technology would almost certainly have stood, was eventually disallowed.

David de Gea has been one of United's best players this season - and will feel relieved to have escaped with another clean sheet after a sleuth of errors from United's back four. That included a shaky performance from centre-half partnership Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane.

Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford's poor form continues - and he was fortunate to still be on the pitch before being replaced by Jesse Lingard on 86 minutes, as United wasted possession time after time.

Middlesbrough await in round four - but Rangnick will be frustrated that his much heralded, high-energy style of play continues to elude his new charges. Since taking the reigns, United have scored only nine goals in seven games - and mustered more than one goal only once, at home to Burnley.

This was a good result; but a poor performance and United have a quick chance to put it right as they face Villa again, away from home, in the league this Saturday teatime. 

Full Time - Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa
Attendance - 72,911