Manchester United aims to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches this Sunday as they face Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Erik ten Hag’s team, considered favorites against the League Two side, is set to engage in their second consecutive FA Cup tie against lower-league opposition.
A victory on Sunday would propel them into the fifth round for the second consecutive year, offering a potential silver lining for a season that has been somewhat clouded.
Manchester United’s turbulent season continues, entering the match with just two wins in their last five games, including a 2-0 triumph over League One side Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup third round.
Although Newport County is not expected to pose a significant challenge, Sunday’s match is crucial for United, and a positive outcome may provide a limited reprieve from criticisms regarding the team’s overall performance this season.
Erik ten Hag will have the majority of his first-team players available, including Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund, after a slow start in the Premier League, has witnessed a change in fortunes with two goals in his last three league games, complemented by a successful Champions League campaign where he scored five times in six games.
However, United will be without goalkeeper Andre Onana as he participates in the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon.
While the match is expected to be relatively straightforward for United, their consistently unspectacular performances in an inconsistent season temper expectations. The prediction leans towards a 2-0 victory for Manchester United over Newport County.
