Ten Hag: We were always in control

After the Reds went 2-0 up through early goals by Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, his first at senior level, County replied with strikes from Bryn Morris and the impressive Will Evans.

Antony restored the lead and Rasmus Hojlund wrapped things up in stoppage time, to set up a fifth-round date away to either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest.

Speaking to MUTV, Talksport and the BBC after the victory, Ten Hag offered his opinions on an entertaining contest at Rodney Parade...

WE CONTROLLED THINGS

"I think job done. In the first 25 minutes, on our side, we were very good and controlled the game. We had the possession and were really controlling it very good. We scored two very good goals and were creating one, two or three more, and it could have been 3-0 or 4-0. Out of nothing, actually, they scored a goal. Then, straight after half-time, they scored another goal and I have to criticise the team for that. Then we started all over and showed character and resilience, fought back and got the third and fourth goal."

MISSED CHANCES

"We controlled the game but maybe we were a little bit slower than we were. We had chances to make it 3-0, [Alejandro] Garnacho hit the crossbar with two players in front of the goal. We had some shots from Antony as well. We had very good chances and they had nothing really, it was out of nothing they scored a goal."

WERE YOU CONCERNED?

"No. We were controlling the game so dictating [it]. Of course, when you encourage the opposition, you have to see how they react to it - our side and also theirs. You could see they get fuel but we were calm and composed."

SHARING THE GOALS

"It's good. I think Antony got the assist for the first goal for Bruno, and a goal. So end product is what we demand from him and also the rest of his job. It should have been proper and that was, today, the case. I think it was, for many players today, they did their jobs. They co-operated well and acted as a team, with good spirit." 

MINUTES IN THE BANK

"We use these games to let some players return - like Casemiro, like [Luke] Shaw, like Licha Martinez. Therefore, I think it was a very good game as they need this rhythm to start going to higher levels. We had minutes in the week, [in a behind-closed-doors friendly] against Burnley, now they have more minutes and that is what they need. When you go into the Premier League, higher intensity and higher levels, that is what is required and I think this game will help them."

TWIN TARGETS

"We have to win every game. So there are two things to fight for now - the Premier League and FA Cup. You have to go from game to game."