FA CUP: Manchester United progress to the 4th Round
Out to make amends for their below-par performance against Wolves in the Premier League, Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to the Theatre of Dreams, with a familiar foe in the opposition dugout, Steven Gerrard looking to guide the Villans to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
United were the better of the two teams during the early exchanges of the match and more importantly on the eight minute, the midfield duo of Fred and Scott McTominay combined to see the Scottish midfielder nod the Red Devils into the lead.
That brought the Villans to life as Emiliano Buendia got the better of the United backline, but the shot lacked accuracy, while John McGinn brought out the very best in David De Gea, producing a top class save to deny Villa an equaliser.
The travelling side continued to knock on the Man United door and it flung open after a mistake from Victor Lindelof. Fortunately for the Swedish defender, Ollie Watkins struck the woodwork with De Gea beaten at all ends.
It was a half littered with chances at either end. Luke Shaw, highly spectacular with a fierce strike from range, the effort tipped over the bar by Emiliano Martinez.
Aston Villa thought they secured the equalizer as Danny Ings bundled the ball into the net, but after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned for offside during the buildup.
Despite a flurry of chances from Villa in the second half, Manchester United hung on for the win to advance to the fourth round and keep their FA Cup dreams alive.
šÆš