Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scored an early goal against Aston Villa in their third round FA Cup tie. The Villans later had two goals disallowed, as United escaped with a win to book their spot in the next round.
Ralf Rangnick’s men joined Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham in the fourth round by beating Villa 1-0. The German named a strong side for the all-Premier League tie, a decision that paid dividends as early as the eighth minute when McTominay headed his side in front from close range.
The Scot’s goal came as a result of United’s quick recycling of the ball from a failed set-piece situation. After a short corner routine between Luke Shaw and Mason Greenwood did not produce the desired result – a skewed volley from Bruno Fernandes took the ball away from goal rather than towards it – Fred picked up possession outside the box.
The midfielder played a quick passing sequence with Greenwood before delivering a dangerous cross into the corridor of uncertainty just ahead of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, where McTominay was present to nod the ball in.
Aston Villa retaliated, and David De Gea made an excellent stop to deny John McGinn from distance. Minutes later, the Red Devils survived a scare as Ollie Watkins rattled the crossbar from close range after he took advantage of a poor touch by Victor Lindelof to get in behind.
Villa had the ball in the net in the 51st minute. Ings got the final touch on the goal line from a header across the box by Ezri Konsa, but VAR pulled the goal back after picking up on a foul during the build-up by Jacob Ramsey on Edinson Cavani.
Steven Gerrard’s men were again left disappointed by the officials when Ings was flagged offside minutes later, just as Watkins touched the ball over the line.
Nonetheless, Villa continued pouring men forward in search of an equalizer, and De Gea had to make another superb stop from Matty Cash to keep Manchester United’s lead intact. Meanwhile, at the other end, Martinez denied Greenwood from doubling United’s lead before protecting the loose ball in front of Marcus Rashford.
However, a second Manchester United goal wasn’t required in the end as the Red Devils booked their berth in the fourth round – thanks to the narrow win – where they’ll face Championship side Middlesbrough.
