Youth setup could give United a lift
“Pick the kids!” is a frequent cry when a team are playing poorly, and generally speaking it’s an incorrect one: the last thing a young player needs is to be hurled into a mess of the sort Manchester United are in. But sometimes it works – Mikel Arteta, for example, struggling at Arsenal, eventually promoted Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe because he had no other choice, and hasn’t looked back since. Now Ruben Amorim must make a similar call. A lack of alternatives forced him to persevere with Rasmus Højlund, but over the past week Chido Obi-Martin has earned a chance, contributing at Everton before asserting properly against Fulham, on both occasions more dangerous than Højlund, in less time. And, given United’s league season is over – and, given also, their lack of pace in defence – it might be worth seeing what Ayden Heaven can do, seeking to inject momentum and good feeling into a two-month stretch that threatens to be enervating in the extreme. Daniel Harris
Match report: Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (aet, 3-4 pens)
Welbeck still going strong at 34
Fabian Hürzeler jokingly hinted that Danny Welbeck might be worth considering by Thomas Tuchel for the England manager’s first squad later this month after the 34-year-old came off the bench to win Brighton’s FA Cup tie at Newcastle. Welbeck hasn’t played for England since September 2018, since when a whole raft of young attacking talents have been introduced into the national team, and it’s unlikely the Brighton forward could leap above them in the pecking order. But Welbeck remains something of an unsung goalscoring national treasure, his winner at St James’ Park a demonstration of tenacity and technique, stretching for Solly March’s clever through ball to scoop an exquisite lob over Martin Dubravka. The FA Cup trades on sentiment and few would begrudge Welbeck a winner’s medal and a late-career Wembley fairytale in a competition Brighton should now prioritise. How his previous clubs could do with a striker of his durability. Tom Davies
Match report: Newcastle 1-2 Brighton
Oliver right to let VAR punish Roberts
Maybe, just maybe this one wasn’t about Michael Oliver. To a hammer everything looks like a nail and a large portion of the online response to Liam Roberts’ challenge – transl: insane flying head-kick – on Jean-Philippe Mateta was anger at Oliver’s refusal to give an instant red card. It did seem obvious straight away from the stands that this was a red card. But both managers said after the game they weren’t clear in the moment how bad it had been. It was also clear Oliver hadn’t missed it, didn’t show a deluded yellow or wave play on, but was instead allowing himself to lean on VAR, letting the tech freeze the moment and make absolutely sure. The right decision emerged almost instantly. It wasn’t an oversight, or further damning evidence of incompetence. It was, as the phrase goes, “good process” given the tech is there and referees are supposedly a team. This may have felt like the right moment for an instant punitive brandishing of a card. But Oliver wasn’t the villain here. Barney Ronay
Match report: Crystal Palace 3-1 Millwall
Guardiola blames ball for wayward shots
Manchester City had 20 shots off target against Plymouth Argyle and less than half that on target and Pep Guardiola thinks he knows why. The Mitre FA Cup ball just isn’t up to scratch, according to the Spaniard. Compared to others on the market, this one has a mind of its own, causing problems for his players. “Normally the ball goes inside from these shots,” Guardiola said. “It’s difficult to control it. Many years, many players and managers say about that. When you lose [it sounds like] you’re complaining but the ball is not right. In many years it’s happened in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, I know it’s a business and they come to agreements. You know how many shots went over the post? Look at other games. The ball in the Champions League is exceptional, the ball in the Premier League is exceptional, this one isn’t.” Unfortunately for City, they need this ball to provide them with a shot at domestic silverware. Will Unwin
Match report: Manchester City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle
Will Burnley’s loss help or hinder promotion tilt?
There is now only one focus for Burnley, and one way to vindicate Scott Parker’s decision to rest several regulars for the loaded all-Lancashire cup tie at Preston. An automatic return to the Premier League would offset the disappointment of Deepdale, although the comprehensive defeat could have a lingering effect. The momentum of a 23-game unbeaten run and the defensive prowess behind Burnley’s promotion charge were shattered at Preston, who scored as many goals in one memorable afternoon for the club as Parker’s team had conceded in their previous 16 matches. The decision to take Hannibal Mejbri out of the spotlight following his allegations of racist abuse against Milutin Osmajic saddened the Burnley manager, but was one of nine changes he made before Tuesday’s trip to Cardiff. While Preston revelled in reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966, Parker’s attention turned to the five-point gap between his team and Sheffield United. “This is a bump in the journey and we will come back,” he insisted. “Twelve games left. Let’s put our foot to the floor and get as many points as we can to get over the line.” Andy Hunter
Match report: Preston 3-0 Burnley
Iraola baffled by victim Kerkez’s costly booking
The English record eight-minute video assistant referee delay that eventually resulted in Bournemouth’s second goal being chalked off was not Andoni Iraola’s only grievance towards the officials in his side’s entertaining penalty shootout win over Wolves. Matheus Cunha was correctly sent off for a shocking hit, kick and head-butt combination on Milos Kerkez in the final minute of extra time. Despite not responding to the assault, Kerkez was also issued a yellow card – his second of the competition, banning the influential Hungarian from the quarter-final. “Milos Kerkez has received a yellow card for adopting an aggressive attitude,” said Iraola. “After what he [Cunha] has done to Milos Kerkez, they should reward him because [of] the attitude he has. They punch him, they kick him on the floor, they head-butt him and he doesn’t react. You punish this? I will have to say to Milos [that] probably, as a player, I cannot do as well as he did. And the prize is they show him a yellow card and he will not play the quarter-final – the most important game of the season for us. I am very disappointed with the refereeing.” Ben Bloom
Match report: Bournemouth 1-1 Wolves (aet, B’mouth win 5-4 on pens)
Villa’s revamped squad ready for Brugge
Aston Villa can re-enter the Champions League at Club Brugge on Tuesday in good heart despite their up-and-down form. Their ambitious attitude to the January transfer window has added strength – and quality – in depth to Unai Emery’s squad, and yet not saddled them with long-term challenges to PSR as Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, the most obviously impactful signings of the five, are on loan, as is Axel Disasi. Villa often play tired in the Premier League game that follows European action but when they need to hit a peak, they have the capabilities to do so. While playing inconsistently, Rashford had created more chances (13), even while dipping in and out of the starting XI, than any other Premier League player since he first donned a Villa shirt while Asensio’s four goals, and overall performances, have made up for the sale of Jhon Durán and Jaden Philogene. So their efforts to finish in the top five of the Premier League, win the FA Cup and reach the Champions League quarter-finals all remain alive. Pete Lansley
Match report: Aston Villa 2-0 Cardiff City
