- Date: Sunday January 28 – 16:30 GMT
- Location: Rodney Parade, Newport
- Teams: Newport County vs Manchester United
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Newport to host Manchester United in money spinning cup tie
Newport County will welcome Manchester United to Rodney Parade in the fourth round of the FA Cup. County needed a replay against non-league Eastliegh to set up the money spinning tie, a 3-1 victory eventually seeing them through after a 1-1 draw in the original third round match. The Red Devils face an away trip to lower league opposition for the second round in succession after seeing off North West rivals Wigan Athletic in the third round.
Huge cash boost for League 2 side
The match has been selected by the BBC for live coverage and will go out on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. County will bag a big cash windfall due to the broadcast, with the reward for being selected for a live game in the Fourth Round standing at £110,000. In addition to this the club raked in £105,000 in prize money for winning their third round tie. Newport could, according to reports, make a cool £400,000 from the tie. A lucrative replay at Old Trafford, should the match end in a draw would bring in a further financial boost.
Newport County
Newport are currently in mid-table in League 2. They finished 15th in the division last season and will be hoping for an improvement to go alongside their impressive cup run. The Exiles have beaten Oldham Athletic, Barnet and Eastleigh to reach this stage, the latter two rounds requiring replays. Graham Coughlan’s side will go into the Man United match boosted by a 1-0 win over Welsh rivals Wrexham in a fiesty contest.
Newport came through their victory against Wrexham without any new injury worries. Liverpool-owned wing-back Adam Lewis was passed fit for the Wrexham match after being subbed at the interval in the win over Eastleigh and he should be good to go again on Sunday. Defenders Josh Seberry, in recovery after a fractured leg, Declan Drysdale (hamstring) are likely to be unavailable. Kyle Jameson and Offrande Zanzala are doubtful and will require fitness tests.
Manchester United
It has been a disappointing season by Manchester United’s standards. However, despite a lack of fluency and a number of poor performances they have still managed to pick up enough points to be in the mix for the European places, although, crucially, Champions League qualification is looking as though it could be a tall order. Boss Erik ten Hag is under pressure and the FA Cup remains their only realistic chance of silverware this season.
United comfortably saw off Wigan and morale has been improved among the fanbase in the wake of Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a 25% stake in the club. Something which supporters hope will lead to better footballing decisions being made at boardroom level. Ten Hag’s side’s last match saw an exciting 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford. Supporters will hope that the Red Devils can begin to climb the table and mount a convincing FA Cup challenge. Newport stand in their way of cup progress and the Old Trafford club will need to go into the tie, in a small and potentially intimidating ground, with the right attitude with the viewing public all too keen to see an upset.
Anthony Martial has been ruled out for 10 weeks after groin surgery. Sofyan Amrabat and Andre Onana are both on international duty so will not be available. Mason Mount (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Victor Lindelof (groin) are still out. Luke Shaw (unspecified) and Harry Maguire (groin) could both be in line for a return.
Prediction
The FA Cup has a tradition of throwing up giant killings and Man United will be mindful of this and, needless to say, will be anxious to avoid an upset. It is a huge occasion for Newport and the atmosphere promises to be intense. However, while a home win or a draw is certainly possible it is unlikely. Manchester United have enough quality to come through and I think that they will. Away win.
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