Manchester United survived an Aston Villa onslaught – including two goals being disallowed – as Scott McTominay’s early strike proved enough to send Ralf Rangnick’s team into the FA Cup fourth round.
United, who were without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, took the lead just eight minutes into the game as Fred sent in an inch-perfect cross from the right and McTominay glanced a header past Emiliano Martinez from close range.
Villa were celebrating what they thought was an equaliser just five minutes into the second half when Ezri Konsa headed a free-kick back across the face of goal for Danny Ings to bundle home from close range.
But after a lengthy VAR review, including Michael Oliver checking the monitor, it was disallowed after Jacob Ramsey was adjudged to have blocked Edinson Cavani.
The frustration continued for Villa as Ings again saw celebrations cut short when he raced through and clipped the ball over De Gea for Watkins to tap home, only to see the offside flag go up for the summer signing’s initial run.
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It was the story of the game for Steven Gerrard’s side, who despite the early setback, responded well to going behind to McTominay’s early header.
They did everything but score as John McGinn’s long-range effort was kept out by David de Gea before Ollie Watkins rattled the crossbar after turning Victor Lindelof inside as the hosts got in at the break with their lead intact.
After the disallowed goals, Villa continued to push for a late equaliser, but it did not prove to be their night as United survived an almighty scare to reach the fourth round, where they will play Middlesbrough.
United flatter to deceive again
Sky Sports’ Oliver Yew:
“It was job done for Manchester United, but only just!
“Steven Gerrard will be left scratching his head on the bus home from Old Trafford, wondering how his side didn’t get something from this entertaining FA Cup tie.
“Villa were by far the better side as they passed their way through Manchester United time and time again, just as Wolves did in their win at Old Trafford in the Premier League a week ago as Ralf Rangnick’s side’s failings of the last few weeks appeared again.
“McTominay and Fred may have combined for what proved to be United’s winning goal in the opening stages, but time after time United were overrun in the middle of the park as Villa piled the pressure on the hosts.
“The frustrations of the home fans were evident as passes went astray and Villa continued to dominate the game, and on a different day, Gerrard’s men would have got their reward.
“However, it was to be United’s day as they held on for a much-needed win to ease the pressure slightly on Rangnick.”
Will Coutinho prove the difference for Villa?
Despite the defeat at Old Trafford, it’s been a big week for Villa with Philippe Coutinho putting the finishing touches to his loan move from Barcelona.
The former Liverpool forward has completed his medical and is currently in France completing paperwork for his work permit.
He is set to join up with his new team-mates on Wednesday to take part in his first training session and will be ready to play in Saturday’s Premier League match against United.
Gerrard will be hoping his former Liverpool team-mate can make the difference when his side goes head to head with United again, this time at Villa Park and live on Sky Sports.
What’s next?
Manchester United visit Aston Villa in the Premier League next Saturday at 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League.