Man Utd crush second division team, enter FA Cup quarter-finals

February 23, 2016 07:56

Coach Van Gaal's team temporarily dispelled the pressure with a 3-0 victory right on Shrewsbury Town's field on the evening of February 22.

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Man Utd needed a win to regain their spirit. Photo: Reuters.

Man Utd players gave the Dutchman a pleasant evening after three consecutive games without a win. Chris Smalling opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Juan Mata doubled the lead in the final seconds of the first half with a classy free-kick.

The 3-0 win was sealed in the second half when Jesse Lingard tapped in from close range from Ander Herrera's assist.

After overcoming Shrewsbury Town, Man Utd will face a team that has often defeated the big teams in the Premier League this season, West Ham, in the quarter-finals. The match will take place at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal had said before the game that a defeat at Shrewsbury Town, who are 21st in League One, could see him leave, but the United man refused to let his opponents inflict a third successive shock after defeats to Sunderland and Midtjylland.

The visitors dominated the game from the opening whistle, forcing Shrewsbury Town to retreat to their own defense. Goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler's effort to block Memphis Depay's shot and defender Ogogo's clearance on the line only helped Shrewsbury Town hold on until the end of the first half.

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Mata's beautiful free kick decided the match early. Photo: Reuters.

Smalling’s opener broke the hosts’ resistance, but before they could settle down, Shrewsbury Town conceded a second goal from Mata’s free kick.

The FA Cup is the most likely front for Man Utd to win a title this season. In the Premier League, Man Utd are 12 points behind the leader Leicester and reaching the top 4 is already too big a challenge. Meanwhile, the Europa League arena is unpredictable and Man Utd are at a disadvantage after losing 1-2 to Midtjylland in the first leg of the round of 16.

Notable match statisticsShrewsbury Town - Man Utd

Smalling scored his first career goal in the FA Cup after 20 appearances in the competition.

Man Utd's captain has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season, more than any other player in the Premier League.

Mata has been involved in 16 goals in 17 FA Cup appearances, including seven goals and nine assists.

Mata scored his first free kick for Man Utd since December 2014.

Man Utd have lost just one of their 46 FA Cup games against lower-league sides, winning 38 and drawing just seven.



According to VNE

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Man Utd crush second division team, enter FA Cup quarter-finals
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