Ralf Rangnick made his first personal acquaintance with the FA Cup on Monday evening – and was able to celebrate a success that was not easy to achieve. ManUnited recorded a 1-0 working victory over Aston Villa.
Manchester United had to start the FA Cup 3rd Division match without attacking players Cristiano Ronaldo and Sancho. Coach Ralf Rangnick had said about this before the match: “They have muscular problems. I spoke to Cristiano yesterday, he told me he had problems the last few days. Small problems, but we decided it makes more sense not to take any risks in a game that could also go over 120 minutes. “
McTominay gives Red Devils early cheer
Even without the two attacking players, the Red Devils got off to a good start in the game and were already jubilant after eight minutes: one six Fred found the other six McTominay with a great cross, who nodded in from five metres. After that, not much happened in front of the two goals before Cavani missed the 2:0 for the home side (28th).
Aston Villa played a lively game, but had no good chances for a long time. That changed after half an hour, when Watkins hit the crossbar after Lindelöf’s mistake (30th) and Ramsey’s deflected shot just missed on the left (32nd). On the other side, ManUnited showed themselves again in the person of Shaw, whose long-range shot was deflected over the bar by the visitors’ keeper Martinez (38.). After an even 45 minutes with a slight advantage for the home side, Manchester went into the dressing room with a narrow 1-0 lead.
Two Villa goals don’t count
Villa started well in the second half after the break – and also got the supposed equaliser through Ings (50th). But referee Michael Oliver took another look at the goal and disallowed it for a forward foul by Ramsey on Cavani. A few minutes later, the ball was again in the home side’s goal, this time Watkins scored (59th). But Ings, who had provided the assist, was offside. The visitors played a good second half, could not blame themselves much – only the reward was missing, as Cash’s shot was saved by de Gea (67th) and Watkins’ shot missed just left (71st).
ManUnited didn’t do much forward in the second half, their shots were mostly too central. Greenwood still had the chance to decide the game after a counterattack, but once again his shot was too central (74.). The bottom line was still enough for the home side, who entered the 4th round of the FA Cup with a classic 1-0 working victory.
In his first FA Cup game with his new club, Rangnick celebrated a victory. Manchester United will now face Middlesbrough in the next round. In the Premier League, where the traditional club is fighting for the Champions League places, it continues next Saturday (6.30 p.m.) away – and directly against Aston Villa again.
