Erik ten Hag’s blushes were spared as Manchester United edged out Newport in the FA Cup fourth round on a day when crowd trouble marred the Black Country Derby.
United raced into a two-goal lead at Rodney Parade as Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo struck inside the opening 13 minutes.
Sky Bet League Two side Newport battled back as a long-range deflected Bryn Morris effort halved the deficit before the break and Will Evans levelled two minutes after the restart.
But a strong United side fought back as Antony’s first goal of the season and a stoppage-time Rasmus Hojlund effort earned a 4-2 win.
The Football Association has launched a swift investigation as play was suspended during Wolves’ visit to rivals West Brom.
Play at The Hawthorns was stopped for more than half an hour after ugly scenes broke out in the stands and fans spilled onto the pitch.
West Midlands Police confirmed two arrests were made following the second-half disorder and one person was taken to hospital with head injuries.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) January 28, 2024
Once play got back under way, Matheus Cunha’s goal secured a 2-0 win for the visitors after Pedro Neto had broken the deadlock in the first half.
Liverpool eventually cruised to a 5-2 victory over Norwich in their first outing since manager Jurgen Klopp announced he was stepping down at the end of the season.
Curtis Jones headed the Premier League leaders in front before Norwich levelled out of nowhere through Ben Gibson, only for Darwin Nunez to restore the Reds’ advantage.
Diogo Jota and Virgil van Dijk pulled Liverpool further clear and Ryan Gravenberch wrapped up the win after a stunning Borja Sainz effort had given the Canaries slim hope of a comeback.
United will face the winner of the replay between Bristol City and Nottingham Forest in the next round, while Wolves host Brighton.
Meanwhile, Liverpool welcome either Watford or Southampton – who drew 1-1 at Vicarage Road after Stuart Armstrong’s late leveller for Saints cancelled out Matheus Martins’ fifth-minute free-kick.
