FA Cup: Manchester United Ride Luck To Get Some Relief Against Aston Villa

FA Cup: Scott McTominay headed home the only goal after just eight minutes, but Villa were left to rue a host of missed chances and a controversial VAR review that ruled out an equaliser from Danny Ings in the second half.

Ralf Rangnick admitted Manchester United were far from perfect despite getting a much-needed 1-0 win over Aston Villa to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup. Scott McTominay headed home the only goal after just eight minutes, but Villa were left to rue a host of missed chances and a controversial VAR review that ruled out an equaliser from Danny Ings in the second half. Interim manager Rangnick desperately needed a response to a week of unrest in the United camp that followed a dismal performance in losing 1-0 at home to Wolves.

One big decision was taken out of the German's hands as Cristiano Ronaldo was not fit to feature.

But there was little improvement in the performance despite holding out to set up a fourth round clash at home to Middlesbrough.

"To say that this was a perfect game, nobody would believe that. Of course it was not," said Rangnick.

"We still have quite a few things we can get better at, but a 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."