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      Man Utd 1 Aston Villa 0 LIVE REACTION: McTominay header sends Ralf Rangnick’s side into FA Cup fourth round

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round after beating Aston Villa at Old Trafford.United made a dream start, with Scott McTominay heading in early on from a superb cross from Fred.
      Danny Ings thought he had responded for the Villans, but his leveller was disallowed by VAR after a lengthy delay.
      And despite a feisty second half – and another Villa goal ruled out for offside – Ralf Rangnick’s side saw things out.

      Final score: Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa

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      Gerr-ard luck loss
      Steven Gerrard refuses to blame the dodgy VAR decision on his side crashing out of the FA CUp against Manchester United.
      But the no-nonsense Liverpool legend cannot help having a dig at the confused system.
      He said: “The officials took three and a half minutes to settle that one. They have looked at two or three things in it.
      “When VAR is there and they make a decision you have to accept it. There is nothing you can do to change it.
      “The easy way out is to blame luck and the officials, we won’t do that.”
      VAR from perfect
      Rangnick is too clever to get carried away thinking his side is the finished article.
      They were luck y to win today and he admits it.
      He said: “To say that this was a perfect game, nobody would believe that of course it was not.
      “We still have quite a few things we can get better at but clean sheet was important today and we worked together.
      “Still a lot of things to improve but it is easier to do that with a 1-0 win.”
      Captain futuristic
      After a lacklustre performance, saved by a Scott McTominay goal, United boss Ralf Rangnick tippde the Scot to be a future captain.
      He said: “”He is an academy boy, his energy is amazing.
      “He now also starts scoring goals and also with some leadership skills.
      “I wouldn’t be surprised if in a couple of years he would be the captain of this team.”
      Typical underwhelming United
      Former Man City and Villa defender Micah Richards was scathing of Ralf Rangnick’s side.
      The former England defender finds them thoroughly dull.
      He said: “Typical Manchester United again.
      “Underwhelming, not great but at least Scott McTominay popped up with a goal.
      “They won today, so you have to take the positives but nowhere near good enough.”
      Short on confidence?
      Varane reckons his side is struggling for confidence right now, despite their 1-0 win and FA Cup progress.
      He said: “When it was not possible to play higher up the pitch we were compact and did not let them play easily.
      “We had to be aggressive and as a result it is good. We are happy.
      “We need more confidence, we need to be together and I think we are in a good way.”
      United squad united?
      Varane is asked about the squad morale that is allegedly fractious.
      But the summer signing dodges the question expertly.
      He said: “We just have to be focused on our job.
      “We have to fight, we have to fight for our fans. That is it.”
      Raph VARane speaks
      The United defender says Danny Ings’ goal was right to be ruled out – following a long VAR consultation – after Edinson Cavani was barged off the ball.
      He said: “It was a long moment! I think it is the right decision.
      “It is just a moment in the game and I think the spirit of the team was good.”
      VARsical decision
      Alan Shearer is not sure Danny Ings’ goal should have been ruled out for a block on Edinson Cavani.
      The former striker said after United’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa: “I am not 100 per cent certain Cavani is getting back for the goal.
      “Is it a clear and obvious error? I am not certain it is because I am not certain Cavani would get to the ball.”
      Second best
      Alan Shearer says what we are all thinking.
      Toon great tells BBC: “Aston Villa created chances, they will look back on this game with regret. They should have scored.
      “It was not a good performance from Manchester United.
      “They were second best for large parts of that second half.”
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      FULL TIME
      Manchester United sneak into the Fourth Round of the FA Cup after being peppered by Aston Villa.
      Steven Gerrard’s men crash out the cup after having two goals disallowed.
      This United team is either slowly improving or chugging toward a disaster.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      95 Another man-of-the-match performance from Scott McTominay.
      Lively Elanga wins his side another late corner and takes it short with Greenwood.
      Villa snatch it back and hoof long.
      But United earn a throw and return to running down the fading clock.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      91 Elanga gets right involved with a brilliant dash down the left and a clever low cross but nobody is there in red to score.
      Villa escape a rare United attack.
      Lingard does well and feeds Greenwood who pings another shot right down Martinez’s throat.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      88 Ezri Konsa is getting treatment on a busted nose or top lip that is bleeding.
      Luke Shaw seemed to catch him with an arm but it was not deemed a serious foul.
      The actions resumes with a big De Gea boot.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      86 Fernandes and Rashford are hooked for Elanga and Lingard.
      Ramsey has left for Villa with 19-year-old Philogene-Bidace entering the fray.
      Fernandes looks angry while Rashford is rank dejected.
      Will he be hanging about under Ralf?
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      83 Ings misses a header so United race up the other end.
      The frustrated United crowd keep ordering their men to “shoooooot” but none of them are bold enough.
      Villa switch formation to 4-3-3- in the effort to grab a late and deserved equaliser.
      United make a double substitution.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      80 Fernandes and Fred swap passes before United win a corner off Ramsey.
      A goal here will deflate Villa, after so many missed chances.
      Fernandes whips the ball in and Mings powers a header away.
      United grab it back but are ransacked before Villa blow the counter attack.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      74 Mason Greenwood passes another ‘shot’ into the arms of Villa keep Martinez.
      The United striker gets another chance with a one-on-one but his firmer shot is well saved.
      Rashford bizarrely refuses to lunge in for the rebound.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      71 Villa have another chance as Watkins curls one just wide with his left foot.
      Villa have battered the home side and just not managed to score a legal goal.
      Rangnick is about to sling outcast Donny Van De Beek a bone as Cavani gets hooked for him.
      Can the Dutchman finally prove his worth to Old Trafford?
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      Luke Shaw ends another Villa attack with a cinical foul and goes in the book.
      Cries of “you fat b******” ring out from the visiting fans.
      Villa waste the free-kick but United now have a couple of players on yellows.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      62 Villa on the front foot again, wave after wave of pressure but De Gea is solid.
      Is Ralf Rangnick ice cool in the United technical area or is he winging this by the seat of his pants?
      Villa are all over his side but just cannot score. United are scraping into the next round of the FA Cup, at this rate.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      60 Another Villa goal ruled out.
      Buendia slips in Ings who dinks De Gea before Watkins taps in.
      But Ings was offside when he was played in so the score remains 1-0.
      Lidelof was injured during that and is getting treatment on the side of the pitch.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      58 Bit of argy bargy after McGinn crashes into Fred.
      The Scot has the hump over the disallowed goal and poor Fred is the human stress ball getting the brunt of the anger.
      The action is up and down like a basketball game now. Both sides creating chances and looking shaky at the back.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 0
      The goal is chalked off for a foul on Cavani from Ramsey.
      The long-haired striker was body checked by the young Villa midfield and barged to the deck before Ings headed in.
      Such a long delay but now looks a fair decision.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 1
      Was Ings offside?
      The Villa fans hold their breath.
      Does Watkins flick it on to Ings from an offside position?
      Boos ring out over the delay.
      Michael Oliver has been told to view on the monitor a possible block on Cavani from Ramsey.
      Man United 1 Aston Villa 1
      51 Villa equalise through Danny Ings after Man United fail to defend a simple free-kick dangled into the box.
      Terrible defending.
      Goal now being checked by VAR.
      Load more entries… More

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      Man Utd verdict: Edinson Cavani proved he has role to play despite giving shirt and starting spot to Cristiano Ronaldo

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      EDINSON CAVANI gave up more than just his number 7 shirt when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in August.As it turned out he also waved goodbye to the chance of playing regularly in his second and final season at Old Trafford.
      Edinson Cavani showed against Aston Villa that he still has a role to play for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      With Ronaldo out with a hip muscle problem, the veteran Uruguayan, 34, was handed a start for just the fifth time this season.
      Ralf Rangnick was delighted when Cavani told him he wants to see the season out at United rather than looking for a move this month.
      And there was enough to suggest he can still play a big role over the next four months – if he is given the opportunities.
      This was more like what the former Napoli forward signed up for last summer. 
      He was leading the line while giving a couple of younger players like Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood alongside him the benefit of his experience.
      Nobody could say the decision to bring Ronaldo back was the wrong one – 14 goals in 21 appearances so far tell their own story.
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      After all, where would United be without them?
      But the question is as he approaches his 37th birthday early next month, does he need to play in pretty much every single game – when United have quality options such as Cavani in reserve.
      The Stretford End unfurled a banner showing the faces of club legends Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson – with the word ‘Standards’.
      No doubt they have dipped at this club since those days, but Cavani’s are very high – they always have been since his days at Napoli and Paris Saint Germain.
      And that much was evident in his first season at United when he proved the critics wrong to score 17 times in total.
      Former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer raved about how professional he was off the pitch and what a great role model he was for the youngsters.
      That was part of the reason why he persuaded him to postpone his return to South America and sign another 12 months at Old Trafford.
      Yet injuries and the form of Ronaldo have meant chances have been severely limited. Yet when both he and the Portuguese started against  Burnley after Christmas the team scored three.
      With no Ronaldo though he was given a chance down the middle and he saw a header go just too high after Marcus Rashford picked him out with a cross.
      Then he was played in by skipper Bruno Fernandes but the angle was tight and Tyrone Mings got the touch before Emi Martinez made the save.
      The opening part of the second half was a rearguard action for the home side but Cavani played his part.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      He was also pivotal to an equaliser from Danny Ings being ruled out as a VAR check showed the Uruguayan had been fouled by Jacob Ramsey in the build up.
      Cavani was subbed 18 minutes from time as Rangnick tried to stop the flow of Villa attacks – but he was given a warm ovation as he went off.
      United fans would like to see more of him and the interim boss needs to find a way to make that happen. More

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      Man Utd 1 Aston Villa 0: McTominay’s header drags Rangnick’s men into FA Cup fourth round with help of VAR

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      THE FA CUP might just prove Manchester United’s salvation once again – 32 years on.It was back in 1990 when the then just Alex Ferguson, was long short of a knighthood and hanging on to his job at Old Trafford.
      Scott McTominay headed United into an early lead at Old Trafford
      The Scottish midfielder rose majestically to score the only goal of the game
      But a run to the final and victory in a replay over Crystal Palace proved the catalyst for all that was to come.
      It was just before that run got going that a banner was held up at Old Trafford calling for Fergie to go.
      This is probably the lowest point the club has been at since then.
      It says something about far United has fallen that the supporters are now clinging to this competition to provide some salvation in a season that threatens to end in mid-table mediocrity.
      That is unless they have plans to win the Champions League – no I don’t think so either.
      Victory last night came through an eighth minute Scott McTominay header but Aston Villa will feel hard done by as they were the better side.
      Danny Ings saw a goal ruled out as Villa pushed for an equaliser
      VAR and referee ended up denying Villa what would have been a deserved equaliser
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      Their 50th minute ‘equaliser’ ruled out by a lengthy VAR decision leaving them with a huge sense of injustice.
      Ralf Rangnick will have just been happy for the win, achieved without Cristiano Ronaldo who had a hip injury, although there was now discernible difference either way in performance due to his absence.
      This was gritty, but not great.
      Still the 12 times winners of the competition are into the next round and a home meeting with Middlesbrough that should open the door to the fifth round.
      United began the game on the front foot and were ahead after only eight minutes through McFred.
      The much maligned midfield twosome combined to good effect as Fred delivered a superb inswinging cross with his left foot and McTominay added the nod it needed to help it in.
      McTominay certainly made his mark on the fourth-round tie
      Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard will feel his side deserved more from their FA Cup clash
      ‘VAR took far too long’ – Mark HalseyBy Mark Halsey
      STEVEN GERRARD will be very frustrated to see Danny Ings’ equaliser ruled out for a block by Jacob Ramsey on Edinson Cavani.
      The Aston Villa midfielder did move into Cavani’s path and block the Manchester United striker from heading the ball clear.
      Ramsey was standing in an offside position from John McGinn’s free-kick and that is not an offence in itself.
      But Ramsey’s movement impacted on the ability of Cavani to challenge for the ball.
      That meant the Villa player interfered with an opponent in accordance to Law 11: Offside.
      The controversy is it took far too long for VAR and referee Michael Oliver to come to a decision.
      And it’s also not fair that only FA Cup ties at Premier League grounds have VAR and others don’t. It is bringing the integrity of the competition into question.

      Yet from that moment on to the break it was Aston Villa who were on top and wondering how they weren’t level by the break.
      Manager Steven Gerrard had turned and stared down the Stretford End when he got a predictable welcome when he came out and his team were not deterred by the Old Trafford crowd and experience either as they piled on the pressure.
      From Douglas Luiz corner, Victor Lindelof almost provided an unwanted assist by nodding it on and Ollie Watkins just could not reach it at the far post.
      Emiliano Buendia’s run and cross shot just needed a touch too but Danny Ings could not reach it.
      John McGinn’s long range effort was palmed away by David De Gea.
      Then when Lindelof failed to control a long punt forward by Tyrone Mings, Watkins was in. He turned back inside the retreating United defence and released a shot that crashed off the post with De Gea beaten.
      Marcus Rashford was subbed after a subdued performance
      Gerrard was holding his head in his hands in despair, when would their reward come?
      United were rattled but at least got back in the game just before the break with long range shots from Luke Shaw and McTominay reminding Villa that they still possessed their own threat.
      It was a good first half between two strong sides.
      They both wanted this and five minutes after the interval Villa thought they were level
      McGinn delivered an inswinging free kick which Ezri Konsa headed back across goal with the ball going in off Ings.
      It was eventually ruled out, but it wasn’t clear whether it was offside, handball or a foul by Jacob Ramsey on Edinson Cavani.
      Villa striker Danny Ings was left frustrated at Old Trafford
      In the end it was the latter but the fans in the stadium were non the wiser
      Villa’s sense of injustice was compounded when the flag went up to deny them shortly after play was restarted when this time Ings was rightly adjudged to be offside when he broke through before feeding Watkins who side footed home.
      The visitors were not giving up and Matthew Cash’s thunderous shot to the near top corner was turned away by the ever alert De Gea.
      United responded but when Marcus Rashford had a shot spilled there was no effort from Rashford to leap on the loose ball ahead of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez much to the annoyance of the Stretford End.
      Still United held out as the game petered out
      A huge banner above the tunnel was unfurled before kick-off with images of Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Roy Keane with the word ‘Standards’.
      They are nowhere near those demanded by this club and these fans.
      Still a win is a win and that is about all you can say for it.
      Ezri Konsa was caught on the nose by Luke Shaw in a late corner
      United boss Ralf Rangnick has a huge job on his hands
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd ratings: Victor Lindelof run ragged on return but Scott McTominay imperious in FA Cup win against Aston Villa

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED set up an FA Cup fourth-round date with Middlesbrough after beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford.Scott McTominay scored the only goal of the game as the visitors made United work hard for their victory.
      Scott McTominay was United’s best player as they knocked Aston Villa out of the FA CupCredit: EPA
      But who was the best player for the hosts? And did anyone have an outing to forget?
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Man Utd player ratings…
      DAVID DE GEA – 7
      Big saves from Spaniard took pressure off defence and spared blushes of team-mates on more than one occasion.
      Was left stranded for a few Villa long shots but continues to be United’s most important player this season.
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      DIOGO DALOT – 5
      Totally unsure of himself defensively as Villa pressed effectively.
      And offered very little going forward too, with United swamped down their right for the whole game.
      VICTOR LINDELOF – 4
      Looked very rusty upon his return to the team and was often run ragged by Ollie Watkins.
      Won’t be forcing his way back into the side any time soon – even if United end up going with three at the back.
      RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
      A decent showing from the ex-Real Madrid man but still he struggled to really impose himself at the back.
      Disallowed Villa goal came from Varane’s poor marking before he was saved by VAR.
      Victor Lindelof was totally off the pace upon his return to actionCredit: Getty
      LUKE SHAW – 5
      Quiet night by his standards, Shaw did not look to push forward in his usual manner.
      Was also sloppy with his passing and cut forlorn figure after criticising team-mates last weekend.
      SCOTT McTOMINAY – 8
      Tucked away a fabulous header to give United an early lead.
      Worked socks off in midfield with key tackles while driving forward.
      FRED – 7
      Gorgeous assist for United’s first goal and was tidy with his passing for once.
      Was not afraid to take on John McGinn and Co in a heated battle for midfield control.
      MASON GREENWOOD – 6
      Maybe feeling slightly aggrieved at being shunted wide-right, Greenwood spent most of his night providing cover for Dalot.
      Was not overly effective in the final third and even the occasional changing of wings with Rashford yielded no joy.
      Marcus Rashford’s good showing was let down by a moment of pure lazinessCredit: EPA
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
      Getting close to his old self again, Fernandes looked a lot more comfortable as the central playmaker tonight.
      The Portugal ace made several good runs and passes, and his link-up play with Cavani nearly resulted in a goal or two.
      MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
      Looked bright in his favourite position on the left wing, giving Matty Cash a headache throughout the game.
      Rashford was equally effective on the right at times too, with his penetrating runs causing chaos amongst Villa’s defence.
      But will have to explain why he chose not to run on to an easy ball for a simple tap home, leaving fans groaning.
      EDINSON CAVANI – 6
      Could not take several opportunities in front of goal, which is sure to go against him when Cristiano Ronaldo is fit again.
      But Uruguayan ran his heart out for team yet again, which is the minimum United fans should expect from every player.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      SUBS
      DONNY VAN DE BEEK (for Cavani, 72’) – 6
      Big cheer from crowd as maligned Dutchman came on, and he held his own as a false nine as United rode the game out.
      JESSE LINGARD (for Fernandes, 85′) – N/A
      ANTHONY ELANGA (for Rashford, 85′) – N/A More

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      Man Utd fans loving ‘McFred’ after Scott McTominay heads home Fred’s cross to open scoring against Aston Villa

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are in dreamland after ‘McFred’ combined for the only goal against Aston Villa in their FA Cup clash.Brazil midfielder Fred hooked the ball into the box on seven minutes and Scott McTominay was there to head past Emiliano Martinez in the Villa goal.
      Scott McTominay headed home Fred’s hooked ball into the boc
      McTominay is a bit of a goal threat for United these days
      It was the perfect reaction following a dismal 1-0 home defeat by Wolves in the Premier League.
      And United fans were quick to praise the central midfield duo on social media – using their special combined nickname.
      Johnny Spencer posted on Twitter: “Love a good McFred goal.”
      Another supporter wrote that they ‘always believed in McFred’, while one added that they ‘can’t explain how much I love McFred’.
      Janice Crossfield was delighted that the “Lancaster lad strikes again’, while another Red Devils fan wrote: “The audacity of Fred to try that’.
      It was a nervy start from United who would have been relieved that their midfield duo got them ahead.
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      Fred replaced Nemanja Matic from the team that lost to Wolves.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was missing from the game with a muscle problem, while captain Harry Maguire is also still out.
      Victor Lindelof earned a recall to the centre of defence in place of Phil Jones, while veteran striker Edinson Cavani was the focal point up top.
      Diogo Dalot came in at right-back for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Jadon Sancho was dropped for Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford coming in for Ronaldo.
      United were fortunate to see the game out when Danny Ings’ goal was ruled out for offside.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      Man Utd fans rejoice as manager Ralf Rangnick ditches 4-2-2-2 formation for Aston Villa FA Cup tie

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans rejoiced as Ralf Rangnick reverted back to their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. The German has insisted on using a 4-2-2-2 setup since taking temporary charge in November.
      Man Utd line up against Aston VillaCredit: BBC
      United had used two holding midfielders, with Bruno Fernandes often in a No10 role, two wingers and one central striker.
      But in recent matches Rangnick introduced pairings in midfield, out wide and up front.
      United were fortunate on many occasions to avoid defeat before finally being exposed by Wolves in a 1-0 home loss.
      That defeat seemed to spark a change of mind for Rangnick, who deployed a 4-2-3-1 against Villa.
      And it had instant success as Scott McTominay headed what turned out to be United’s winner in th eighth minute.
      Before the game, Rangnick opened up about the change in formation and why he introduced it in the first place.

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      He said: “Before I arrived it was obvious the team conceded too many goals.
      “The first approach was to make sure we stopped conceding as many and we have achieved that.
      “But at the same time it is all about creating chances, dominating the game when we have the ball and this is where we haven’t improved as yet.
      “The only way you can dominate and control games in the Premier League is by being proactive.
      “As soon as we begin to look passive, like we did against Wolves, we are struggling.
      “The formation is a means to an end, a tool. The formation has to fit to the players you have available.
      “In the long run it would be better to have one system and one style.”
      In the first instance it is about winning games. It did not work overnight with other clubs. It’s about small steps, but at least it has to be steps forward.Ralf Rangnick
      Rangnick added: “It took Jurgen Klopp a few months to get his Liverpool side playing the way he wanted.
      “When Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, he played with a back three.
      “Pep Guardiola has selected his whole squad over five years to fit this possession-based football.
      “For me, my job now is to work with the players I have available who I have inherited here.
      “In the first instance it is about winning games. It did not work overnight with other clubs.
      “It’s about small steps, but at least it has to be steps forward.”
      Man Utd appear to playing with two wide men against Aston VillaCredit: BBC More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo misses Man Utd’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa with hip injury, reveals manager Ralf Rangnick

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO missed Manchester United’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa with a hip injury.The forward was left out of the squad completely against Steven Gerrard’s Villa.
      Ralf Rangnick and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA
      And manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed Ronaldo has suffered a knock and was not risked for the cup clash.
      He said: “I spoke with Cristiano yesterday before training, he told me that he had some problems for the last couple of days, some minor problems.
      “In the end we decided to not take any risks in a cup game that could easily last 120 minutes.”
      He added: “I suppose he will be in the stadium but he had some problems with his hip, with his hip muscle, and we just decided that it would be better for him not to play this game.
      “I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
      Ronaldo, 36, played the full 90 minutes in United’s recent 1-0 loss at home to Wolves.
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      And not even the Portugal legend could turn things around as his side laboured to a shock loss.
      But one man who came out of the defeat with praise was Phil Jones – having started his first United game in TWO YEARS.
      The returning defender, 29, has however been sidelined with another injury.
      While Jadon Sancho was another late absentee.
      Rangnick said: “With Phil Jones he is having some minor problems on the calf.
      “Again, in a cup game like the one tonight, it doesn’t make any sense even more so if it’s the calf muscle.
      “With Jadon he was supposed to be in the squa, he had some issues with both hamstrings on both sides so again it doesn’t make sense to take any risks.”
      The German manager replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, and was beaten for the first time in charge against Wolves.
      And in the pre-match programme notes, caretaker boss Rangnick admitted performances must improve.
      He said: “When I took this role as Manchester United interim manager, I knew there would be a lot of work to do.
      “It’s not possible to just walk into a new club midway through the season, say a few words and everything is instantly straightforward.
      “We have a lot of players who are top quality individuals with so much talent but we need to work together in order to make progress.”
      Current caretaker manager Ralf RangnickCredit: MatchDay Images Limited More

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      Arteta got formation all wrong against Nottm Forest and his failure to change at half-time blew Arsenal’s FA Cup dreams

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      IN hindsight, perhaps Sunday was not the best day to opt for my first away trip of this season. But I was looking forward to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta building on the magnificent team performance against City and starting another glorious run in the competition we have won in four of the last eight seasons. 
      A lacklustre Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup on SundayCredit: AFP
      Mikel Arteta’s side lost 1-0 to Nottingham ForestCredit: AFP
      Obviously, I knew the team would be different, with players departing for Afcon, and the opportunity would be taken to rotate.
      I was not prepared for the news that Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu were unavailable through minor injury and Granit Xhaka through Covid. 
      I have absolutely no doubt Smith Rowe and Xhaka would have started and maybe the Japanese international might have if fit.
      Of course, the unavailability of Xhaka and Smith Rowe made Arteta’s decision to allow Ainsley Maitland-Niles to go before the weekend even stranger. 
      It is not as if the player being cup-tied impacted Roma after all. 
      It does not even require hindsight to know that losing Partey and Elneny would leave us light, but the absence of Xhaka as well makes the Maitland-Niles decision virtually negligent. 
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      Charlie Patino was given his first senior start for the GunnersCredit: Getty
      Most of us Gunners fans wanted Charlie Patino to gain more playing time but saw this being in a similar fashion to his debut against Sunderland. 
      That would have allowed the talented youngster to enter the fray at the City Ground with the game won and the pressure lessened. 
      As it was Arteta left himself being forced to rely on Charlie Patino as a starter against a form Championship team – and it backfired horribly.
      But unlike some, I find the young player almost entirely blameless. 
      Yes, he did not shine but for me, this was down to the manager’s decision to change the team set up from the recently highly successful 4-2-3-1, to a 4-1-4-1 – deploying Patino and Odegaard as dual ‘8’s and leaving Sambi Lokonga isolated. 
      He played ahead of Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfieldCredit: AFP
      This isolation was telling in defence but more so as the distances between him and Patino and Martin Odegaard left Arsenal without the strong platform our usual double pivot (both strong passers) provides. 
      Many seem to be saying Patino partnered Albert Sambi Lokonga and under-performed, but for me it appeared he followed his manager’s instruction on position. 
      As a result, while he was neat and tidy when he did receive the ball, he seldom received it. 
      Watching Arsenal of late has been all about building from the back, with Aaron Ramsdale or the centre backs feeding Partey or Xhaka. 
      On Sunday I can only remember Sambi receiving the ball in this fashion on a few occasions. 
      Martin Odegaard struggled to control the game alongside PatinoCredit: Getty
      The single CM did not work really early in the season, when we scraped wins over Burnley and Norwich, and it was obviously not working yesterday.
      Surprising then (an understatement) that our manager, so swift to drag off an underperforming Nuno Tavares, could not see that the single pivot was hindering the team defensively and hugely impacting the fluidity of our build up in attack. 
      The efficient early service to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli was non-existent and Odegaard and Patino could not exert any influence. 
      I was stunned that after half-time Arteta had not either moved Patino to play with Lokonga in a 4-2-3-1 or taken the youngster off and put Calum Chambers on as a defensive partner for the Belgian – or in defence to allow Ben White to fulfil that function.
      It was this decision to persevere with the 4-1-4-1, as much as the decision to stick with Eddie Nketiah, who was playing as if his mind was elsewhere, that cost Arsenal their place in this year’s FA Cup. 
      Eddie Nketiah played like a man with his mind on other thingsCredit: Reuters
      I am a believer in what Arteta is endeavouring to do at my club but I feel his decision to allow Maitland-Niles to leave early – and the call to change the system that has given his team such confidence – not only cost us dearly but could have hindered Patino’s confidence and development.
      Fans and media alike are speculating that this is the Spaniard’s way of sending a clear message to the board to invest in January. 
      I sincerely hope this is not the case as I would think less of Arteta because Arsenal are out of a competition that we fans adore for no reason at all that I can see. 
      He and his coaching staff have much to dwell on before two matches in four days that can define Arsenal’s season and no new signings can alter that!
      @goonerdave66
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