A McTominay header allowed the ‘red devils’ to gain access, albeit dull, to the 1/16 final of the FA Cup after beating an opponent who dominated him and saw how two goals were annulled
Manchester United still does not shine for his game, but today an early goal by Scott McTominay was enough to overcome 1-0 in the 1/32 final of the FA Cup. Aston Villa, awaiting the definitive incorporation of Philippe Coutinho, was a clear dominator of the game in many phases and made merits to force the extension, but he lacked to score. David De Gea avoided it while the referee annulled two goals.
Before the game, the surprise jumped when it was known that Ralf Rangnick left Cristiano Ronaldo out of the squad as a precaution due to hip discomfort. But the German coach, as well as Steven Gerrard at an Old Trafford who received him nails for his past at Liverpool, lined up the best team they had at their disposal due to casualties.
McTominay brands soon
The game was very showy given the alternatives in the game. United started better and, after warning as a low shot that Emi Martínez blocked, Scott McTominay scored 1-0 in the 8th minute by putting his head to deflect, unmarked, a good cross from Fred’s right.
Aston Villa’s reaction was not long in coming as it was clear when they seized the ball, moved it judiciously in the image and likeness of their coach, and locked up their rival. In the 11th minute, Ollie Watkins narrowly missed a shot at the far post after a corner kick.
De Gea shows off again but the crossbar saves him
The arrivals of the ‘villains’ were continuous and forced David De Gea to demonstrate the great moment in the way that he is going through. Two blows from John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía demanded the superb replica of the Madrid goalkeeper, although Emi Martínez was also forced to cover a point-blank shot from Edinson Cavani, today only on the point in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
After half an hour, Aston Villa’s best chance came in the first half. Victor Lindelöf mishandled a long ball, Watkins took advantage of it, he was already in the area of the Swedish center-back with a stellar heel cut and his shot was rejected by the crossbar.
The VAR cancels the goal of Ings
If United could breathe to finish the first half equalizing the forces, after the break Aston Villa’s dominance was total. His was the ball and he again stroked the goal on several occasions. In fact, he scored twice, but the 1-0 remained on the scoreboard as both plays were canceled. In the first, the VAR, after several minutes of deliberation, appreciated a previous foul by Jacob Ramsey against Cavani to not validate Danny Ings’s goal (51 ‘).
And shortly after, there was no doubt not to concede Watkins ‘goal since Ings was offside when he gave the ball to the counter (59’).
Boro, next rival and on Saturday, revenge
Watkins, with a thread that touched the post, returned to have the 1-1 very close (71 ‘). United could only get out of their field when Mason Greenwood escaped on the right but Emi Martínez thwarted his attempt (74 ‘). The ‘red devils’, on the other hand, knew how to manage the last quarter of an hour well and made use of McTominay’s early goal to reach the 1/16 final of the FA Cup. Their next rival, also at Old Trafford, will be Middlesbrough, Second Division.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will have the opportunity to take revenge this Saturday, when they host United itself in a Premier League match.