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Man Utd's FA Cup hopes written off after listless display against Aston Villa

Ralf Rangnick's side lucky to edge past Aston Villa with a performance that does little to suggest the could win the FA Cup for the first time since 2016.

Manchester United failed to convince anybody they could win the FA Cup on Monday night - least of all the bookies.
Ralf Rangnick's side edged past Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa 1-0 thanks to Scott McTominay's eighth-minute goal. However, they produced a largely sluggish display and were outplayed for large chunks of the encounter, seeing Villa have two efforts chalked off by VAR.

Marcus Rashford's listless display epitomised a club adrift and were it not for keeper David de Gea and some profligate finishing from Villa, the sarcastic cheers which greeted the 24-year-old England striker's withdrawal would have been much more barbed.

At full-time the Old Trafford fans sang of Wembley more in hope than expectation and despite the victory earning them a winnable home clash against Championship side Middlesbrough in the fourth round, United remain 9/1 to lift the cup for the first time since 2016.

It places them fourth favourites, suggesting they may well get their Wembley wish. But it promises to be another semi-final exit for the Red Devils - United bowed out in the last four in 2020.

In contrast, Manchester City have hardened to 11/4 favourites after being handed a home draw against Fulham. It follows Pep Guardiola naming a surprisingly strong side for the third-round win over Swindon Town on Friday evening.

Chelsea's 5-1 thrashing of National League leaders Chesterfield and subsequent fourth-round tie with League One Plymouth has seen them cut to 5/1, while Liverpool are 11/2 after their reward for beating Shrewsbury was another home tie, this time against Cardiff City.

Cup holders Leicester City are 16/1 for a repeat having been handed a tricky trip to Arsenal's conquerors Nottingham Forest.

At the other end of the scale, non-league side Boreham Wood are 2000/1 after being drawn to face high-flying Championship side Bournemouth.

National League North side Kidderminster, third round giantkillers of Reading, are 1000/1 ahead of a mouthwatering home clash against West Ham.

The fourth round ties are due to take place on the first weekend in February.

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard furious at VAR delay as Aston Villa bow out of the FA Cup

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