Manchester United have cruised to a 3-0 win over Cambridge United in their FA Cup fourth-round replay at Old Trafford this evening, after being held to a goalless draw by the League Two side last month.
Cambridge almost took the lead just seconds into the match when Tom Elliott burst forward to control a high ball before beating David de Gea with a curling shot, only to see his finish kept out by the post.
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Louis van Gaal's side soon started to dominate, with Angel di Maria sending in a string of crosses, but Josh Coulson ensured that few connected with the Argentine's teammates in the Cambridge box.
Chris Dunn had to make his first save of the night almost 20 minutes into the tie when Wayne Rooney managed to get a low shot away on the edge of the box, but it was well held by the keeper.
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The hosts broke the deadlock after 25 minutes though when their continued pressure eventually allowed Di Maria to connect with Marouane Fellaini, who flicked it on for Juan Mata to blast in from close range.
The Premier League side needed just seven minutes to double their lead as Marcos Rojo recorded his first goal for the club, heading in from close range after Robin van Persie provided the cross.
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Rooney had another chance shortly before the break as he found himself in space on the edge of the box again, but he mishit his volley.
Cambridge came out fighting after the break, but they were soon caught out by a counter-attack from the hosts, allowing Rooney to set up Van Persie, but the Dutchman's header was just wide of the post.
Van Persie continued to look dangerous as the home side pushed to end any hopes of a Cambridge comeback, but Dunn stopped him adding a third with a powerful volley just after the hour mark.
Elliott tried to make amends for his early miss for the visitors, playing a long ball forward for Gearoid Morrissey, who rounded a couple of defenders before firing wide.
James Wilson came off the bench with just over 20 minutes to play for the Premier League side, and he made an impact when Ander Herrera picked him out with low pass, leaving the young striker to drill the ball into the bottom corner.
Rooney had a chance to make it four inside the final 10 minutes as he cut inside from the left before unleashing a curling strike, but it was just off-target.
United will face League One side Preston North End in the next round, after they beat Sheffield United in their replay earlier this evening.
Sian Cowper
