Man Utd's FA Cup hopes written off after listless display against Aston Villa
- Paul Okey
- 11 January 2022
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.
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.
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.
National League North side Kidderminster, third round giantkillers of Reading, are 1000/1 ahead of a mouthwatering home clash against West Ham.
