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Bruno Fernandes expressed his disappointment with his team’s choices in the attacking third as Manchester United defeated a determined Newport County 4-2 in their FA Cup fifth round match.
United got off to a strong start at Rodney Parade, scoring two goals from Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo within the first 13 minutes to take a 2-0 lead.
Erik ten Hag’s side could well have put the game beyond doubt in the opening salvo but spurned a number of good chances through a combination of poor finishing and bad decision-making. Antony squandered several efforts, while Alejandro Garnacho hit the crossbar from a tight angle despite having both Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund open for what would have been a simple tap-in.
United’s extravagant spending almost backfired when Bryn Morris and Will Evans scored to equalize for the League Two team in the second half. Despite this, United managed to defeat the determined hosts with goals from Antony and Hojlund. However, the team’s captain from Portugal acknowledged the need for a more efficient approach in scoring.
He expressed his disappointment in the outcome of the game, stating that while they achieved the desired victory, it was not the ideal result for them. He made these comments during an interview with BBC One.
“We aimed to prevent the other team from scoring, but their first goal was impressive with an unbelievable shot. Despite having opportunities to score a third goal, the pressure to score in these types of games can lead to selfish decisions and not always the best for the team.”
The beginning of the season has been disappointing for United, and now they are counting on the FA Cup as their only chance of winning a trophy. After making it to the final in the previous year, Fernandes is optimistic that they can improve upon their current season by going even further in the competition.
Antony, positioned on the right side, celebrates after successfully scoring the third goal for Manchester United in their victory against Newport in the FA Cup.
“We must recognize that the FA Cup presents us with an opportunity to claim a trophy, and we must put forth our best effort to progress to the final, one step and one game at a time,” he stated.
In order to improve our performance this season, it is crucial that we strive to win this trophy. Last year, we made it to the final but were unable to secure the victory.
“We understand the significance of the FA Cup for our supporters, our team, and our nation. Therefore, we recognize its importance and it holds great value to us as well. Our ultimate goal is to reach the final and emerge victorious.”
United will travel to the victor of the Bristol City versus Nottingham Forest match for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Source: independent.co.uk
