What we learned from Manchester United's ruthless Emirates FA Cup win over Yeovil
Manchester United overcame a spirited Yeovil Town in a ruthless performance at Huish Park from Jose Mourinho’s men.
The Glovers almost held out until half-time but United ultimately showed their class to progress to the Emirates FA Cup fifth round.
Clinical United punish Yeovil
Yeovil faced Manchester United in the FA Cup in 2014-15 season, that day it was Angel Di Maria who inspired the Red Devils to a 2-0 win.
And United were out to spoil the Huish Park party again but it took until the 41st minute for the Red Devils to finally make their breakthrough, Marcus Rashford capitalising on a defensive mishap.
That goal seemed to be the turning point for the Glovers who continued to plug away until an Ander Herrera strike settled the contest.
Two goals in the final four minutes from Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku put the gloss on a scoreline which doesn’t reflect Yeovil’s tenacity shown during the 90 minutes.
Sanchez assists on debut
Jose Mourinho opted to keep a lot of the big guns at home but new signing Alexis Sanchez was named in the first XI following his move from rivals Arsenal.
The Chilean had to ride several strong challenges from the hosts but looked a constant threat during his debut.
And the 29-year-old was rewarded for his display with two assists as he laid the ball into the path of Herrera and Rashford for their goals on the night.
Mourinho would’ve been delighted with the showing of his latest signing and will hope there’s more the same in the remainder of the season.
United on the trophy hunt
With Manchester City flying in the Premier League and United out of the Carabao Cup, the Emirates FA Cup presents Jose Mourinho with a wonderful chance of silverware
Having got beyond Derby County in the third round, League Two Yeovil put up a fight but eventually, the Premier League side had more than enough quality to get through.
The last 16 no awaits for United, who will be hoping at least one of the biggest sides left slip up this weekend.
Yeovil show spirit
Yeovil should take immense pride for their display in front of their own fans, who made it very difficult for United to play their slick football.
Jordan Green’s early effort was the best it got for Darren Way’s men as he fired straight at Sergio Romero in the United net.
The Glovers failed to clear their lines allowing Rashford to nip just before the break in as United ran in three more goals in the second period.
But the League Two side will take plenty of positives from their cup run as they made it to the fourth round for only the third time since 1949.
Wednesday take advantage
With a place in the last 16 on the line, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading both knew this was a glorious chance to move one step closer to Wembley.
And it was the home side who powered through as they swept aside the Royals on a fine evening at Hillsborough.
Atdhe Nuhiu notched up a brace for the hosts before George Boyd finished off a composed performance.
A Cameron Dawson own goal late on gave Reading a consolation but it’s Wednesday who progress into the fifth round for the first time since 2014.
