Manchester United had to battle hard to see out a win against League Two side Newport County.
Manchester United hoped to ease to an exhibition win against Newport – and after 20 minutes it was going to plan.
But nothing for Manchester United is ever simple, even a match against lower tier opponents.
Newport fought back to equalise, making it 2-2, briefly being able to dream of a cup upset, before the reality of United’s superiority took over.
Bruno Fernandes praised
BBC co-commentator Danny Murphy was summarising for the match broadcaster and asked to select his man of the match.
He was in no doubt that the award belonged to the scorer of the opening goal, Bruno Fernandes.
Murphy said: “Bruno Fernandes has been the best player on the pitch, his all round game has been absolutely superb. He’s set the example.”
Luke Shaw also catches the eye
Murphy also praised left-back Luke Shaw, who was making his first appearance of the month after injury.
He told BBC Sport: “Luke Shaw has been terrific today, he’s been really good.”
Elaborating, discussing United’s third goal, he said: “Really good, because Shaw doesn’t panic or snatch at it, calmly goes on his right foot and it’s actually a really good finish when it comes to Antony. Antony can use his right foot, nice and calm.”
How the goals went in
Bruno Fernandes gave Manchester United the lead after an assist from Antony, his first of the season. It was Fernandes’ seventh goal.
Kobbie Mainoo then scored his first ever United senior goal, following an assist from Diogo Dalot.
Newport then netted a goal either side of half-time, pulling the score back to 2-2 and staying level for a good 20 minutes.
Antony put United 3-2 after after Luke Shaw’s shot hit the post, while Rasmus Hojlund scored his eighth of the season to make it 4-2 in stoppage time after good work from substitute Omari Forson.
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