FA Cup

BAMBOOZLED Manchester United fans slated a “bizarre” tactic that wasted Marcus Rashford.And even expert commentator Ally McCoist couldn’t get his head around the idea.
Marcus Rashford took up an unorthodox position at Man Utd cornersCredit: ITV
Rashford was in no man’s land as Bruno Fernandes crossed past himCredit: ITV
Rashford, 26, started in his favoured position out wide on the left as the Red Devils took on Wigan in the FA Cup third round.
And it was from that position that the England star teed up Diogo Dalot’s well-taken opener.
But before that, supporters were left dumbfounded by the instructions given to the forward at corners in the FA Cup clash.
United earned a series of corners early on in the game and Bruno Fernandes went over to take them.
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However, rather than get in the box to give himself a chance of scoring against the League One defenders, Rashford stood in an unusual spot just behind the pitch approximately ten yards away from the ball.
For two of the three set pieces, Fernandes ignored his team-mate and whipped the ball straight into the box while he did play one short for the Three Lions international.
McCoist – covering the game at the DW Stadium alongside Sam Matterface – was not best pleased and believed Rashford was being wasted.
The Scottish legend moaned: “If they’re not going to take a short corner then Rashford should be in the box. You’re not going to score out there.”
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And plenty of supporters were equally disgruntled.
One said: “McCoist is right, why would you waste Rashford on short corners to give it back to Bruno – if that’s the tactic use someone else and have Rashford somewhere where he’s a threat?”
Another wrote: “When Man U take a corner why is Rashford standing off the pitch next to the taker? Every forward should be in the box. Bizarre.”
A third added: “Does anyone know why Rashford isn’t in the box for the corner?! What sense does this make??”
A fourth typed: “Marcus Rashford is probably the tallest player in our squad but brother is always outside the penalty box when Manchester United have a corner kick.”
However, fans were delighted with Rashford’s performance overall against Wigan, forcing a smart stop from Sam Tickle before later laying the ball back for Dalot to curl into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Manchester United went on to win the game 2-0 with Bruno Fernandes winning and scoring a penalty.
United now face a trip to either League Two Newport or non-league Eastleigh in the fourth round while Tottenham take on Manchester City in the standout tie.
Rashford set up Diogo Dalot for United’s opening goalCredit: Getty More

MARCUS RASHFORD half-heartedly wheeled away to celebrate after having a shot tipped onto the post against Wigan.The England international started at the DW Stadium as Erik ten Hag named a strong starting XI.
Marcus Rashford had a tame shot at goalCredit: ITV
Sam Tickle had a moment to forget as he fumbled the ball onto the postCredit: ITV
Rashford, 26, wheeled away in celebrationCredit: ITV
The Red Devils took the lead against their League One opponents courtesy of Diogo Dalot’s 22nd minute opener.
Just two minutes later, Rashford had a chance to extend his side’s advantage.
His tame side-footed effort went straight at Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
To Tickle’s horror, however, he fumbled the shot.
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It rolled onto the post before rebounding along the line.
Tickle gratefully managed to clutch onto it, but Rashford began celebrating as if the ball had already gone in.
Writing on social media, harsh fans suggested that the 26-year-old may have been trying to dupe officials.
One wrote: “The assistant and referee wave play on, and it remains 1-0 despite Rashford’s fake celebration to attempt to convince the officials.”
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While a second posted: “Just tryna con the ref.”
And a third added: “Did Rashford celebrate 😭😭”.
Had the officials been convinced by Rashford’s celebration, the goal would have stood as there was no VAR available to the official.
ITV commentator Sam Matterface labelled the England striker as “cheeky” for the celebration.
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Fans did praise Rashford for assisting Dalot’s opener, however.
One wrote: “RASHFORD ASSIST WE ARE COOOKING”
And and another similarly added: “Rashford is really Cooking”.
The England forward has struggled in front of goal this season.
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After scoring 30 times last term, he went into tonight’s game having so far only netted three goals in 24 appearances this time around.
Man Utd went on to win the match 2-0, with Bruno Fernandes adding a second from the penalty spot on 74 minutes.
Alejandro Garnacho also thought Rashford had scoredCredit: Alamy More

MANCHESTER UNITED could face non-league Eastleigh in the fourth round of the FA Cup.After beating Wigan 2-0 this evening, Erik ten Hag’s side will travel to the winners of the replay between Newport County and National League Eastleigh.
Eastleigh and Newport will do battle for the chance to face Man UtdCredit: Rex
Tottenham will host Manchester City in round fourCredit: Getty
League Two Newport led Eastleigh 1-0 at Rodney Parade on Saturday via James Clarke’s 56th minute effort.
But ten-man Eastleigh amazingly managed to equalise eight minutes from time through Chris Maguire’s 82nd minute penalty.
The two sides will reconvene at Silverlake Stadium on January 16 for a mouthwatering opportunity to host Man Utd.
Across London, eight-time winners Tottenham will host current holders Manchester City.
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Spurs booked their place in round four with a 1-0 win over Burnley courtesy of Pedro Porro’s 78th minute wonder-strike.
City, meanwhile, comfortably beat Huddersfield 5-0 at the Etihad.
The two sides last met in December in the Premier League, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring a late equaliser in the 3-3 thriller.
Elsewhere, the other non-league side to have reached round four Maidstone will travel to Championship high-flyers Ipswich.
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Sixth-tier Maidstone shocked League One Stevenage 1-0 to reach this stage, while Ipswich beat AFC Wimbledon 3-1.
Chelsea will host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, with Unai Emery’s side having already won there in the Premier League this term.
The winners of the replay between Norwich and Bristol Rovers will be rewarded with a trip to Liverpool.
While Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney weren’t quite awarded a Hollywood draw and will have to be content with a trip to Blackburn.
Crystal Palace or Everton will play host to Luton or Bolton.
And Leeds United will welcome fellow Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle to Elland Road, having beaten them 2-1 there in the league in November.
Fulham will face Newcastle United at Craven Cottage, while West Ham or Bristol City are set to host Nottingham Forest or Blackpool.
Sheffield United will welcome Brighton in an all-Premier League tie.
And Either Brentford or Wolves will travel to the Hawthorns to play West Brom.
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In a trio of all-Championship ties, Watford will face Southampton. Sheffield Wednesday host Coventry and either Hull or Birmingham head to 2021 winners Leicester.
Matches are set to take place between January 25-29.
FA Cup fourth round draw in full
Watford vs Southampton
Blackburn Rovers vs Wrexham
Bournemouth vs Swansea
West Brom vs Brentford/Wolves
West Ham/Bristol City vs Nottingham Forest/Blackpool
Leicester vs Hull/Birmingham
Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Ipswich vs Maidstone United
Liverpool vs Norwich/Bristol Rovers
Tottenham vs Manchester City
Leeds vs Plymouth Argyle
Crystal Palace/Everton vs Luton/Bolton
Newport/Eastleigh vs Wigan/Manchester United
Sheffield United vs Brighton
Fulham vs Newcastle More

STANLEY MILLS has seen his loan spell at Oxford United end following a horror injury.The 20-year-old was in action as the League One side were beaten by Coventry in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Stanley Mills requires surgery on his kneeCredit: Alamy
He was stretchered off in the FA Cup clash versus CoventryCredit: Alamy
Mills has returned to Everton for treatmentCredit: Rex
In the closing stages of the 6-2 defeat, Mills went down unchallenged after taking a shot at goal.
He was stretchered off in visible pain, having sustained a serious knee injury.
Mills was on loan from Everton and he has now returned to the Toffees for treatment.
The midfielder requires surgery and it is unlikely he will play again this season.
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Fans have been left devastated by the news, one said: “Absolutely gutted for the lad, he showed real promise, such a cruel ending to his loan. I hope he recovers quickly and gets his career back on track.”
Another added: “We wish you all the best for a full and speedy recovery. Gutted to lose you.”
A third commented: “We wish you nothing but the best for the future, thank you for your performances in the yellow shirt.”
Stanley is the son of former England defender Danny Mills.
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The 46-year-old played for the likes of Norwich, Charlton, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Manchester City.
He earned 19 caps for the Three Lions during his career.
Danny Mills played 19 times for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty More