Man Utd warned to avoid one of the 'most embarrassing results in the club's history' ahead of FA Cup clash

Former striker Chris Sutton insists defeat at Newport County would be 'one of the most embarrassing' results in Manchester United's history - but he doesn't believe it will happen.

United face a potentially tough FA Cup fourth round trip to Rodney Parade on Sunday, with pressure continuing to mount on manager Erik ten Hag amid a dismal season both domestically and in Europe. The Reds were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stages, knocked out of the Carabao Cup and sit eighth in the Premier League.

A trip to mid-table League Two opposition seems favourable on paper but Newport have made a habit of grabbing FA Cup headlines around this time of year. They beat Leicester City in 2019 and drew at home to Tottenham the year before, following a win over Leeds United.

Graham Coughlan's side might fancy themselves to cause another upset against a relatively poor United outfit, but while Sutton acknowledges past difficulties of other clubs, he believes Ten Hag's men will run out comfortable winners, predicting a 3-0 away victory.

"I remember Newport knocking a Premier League team, Leicester, out of the FA Cup in 2019, and they have got the better of a few big clubs in recent years," Sutton told BBC Sport. "I don't think they will knock Manchester United out, though. This is a tricky away tie to negotiate, but let's get it right, if Erik ten Hag's side were to lose to a League Two team then it would be one of the most embarrassing results in the club's history.

"So, I am going to be positive about United, they will have too much for Newport - it should be comfortable, and I even think they will keep a clean sheet."

The FA Cup presents United's final chance of winning a trophy this season and so Ten Hag is likely to go strong, with a number of injury returnees hoping to get valuable minutes. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were both in training this week and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley.

Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Amad Diallo also featured, having recently recovered from long-term absences. All could start on Sunday.