United's only previous FA Cup away tie in Wales

Although the Reds have had three neutral fixtures at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, while Wembley was being rebuilt, Sunday's trip to Newport County will be only the second time we have travelled to a Welsh club in the competition.

The other occasion was back in 1957, when we were drawn away to Wrexham in the fourth round. Matt Busby's outstanding team would eventually go all the way to the final, only to lose 2-1 to Aston Villa in controversial fashion and thus miss out on completing the Double.

Our hosts had been pushed all the way in the previous stage by Hartlepool (then called 'Hartlepools') United, before they ultimately shaded a seven-goal thriller.

Backed by a record sell-out crowd of almost 35,000 at the Racecourse Ground, the Red Dragons fancied their chances of causing an upset and a giantkilling was being mooted in the press. However, after the game, there was only the recognition that Busby's men were clearly one of the best teams around, and could handle such difficult environments.

By scoring five times without reply, United put the Third Division side to the sword, as a potentially tricky test was overcome with ease and professionalism. The performance was described as "exhibition stuff" by one newspaper report.

Even a late change to the line-up could not hinder the Reds - Johnny Berry complained of a knee problem, so Welsh forward Colin Webster came in for his first appearance of the season at outside-right.

Wrexham's best chance came in the early moments, when they didn't take advantage of United goalkeeper Ray Wood being grounded and instead appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after a Mark Jones challenge on Peter Thompson.

The early threat from the hosts was quelled and Webster's quick-thinking short corner caught them napping, allowing Billy Whelan to rifle home in the seventh minute. On the quarter-hour mark, Webster was involved again, when Albert Parker handled inside the box, and skipper Roger Byrne made no mistake from the spot.

The Red Dragons' goalkeeper Billy Waters did his best to keep his team in the tie, saving twice from Whelan, but he had no chance with a brilliant third goal, eight minutes before the break.

Webster provided the assist again but his pass still gave Tommy Taylor a lot to do. However, the England centre-forward executed a classy backheel to show his international pedigree. With Eddie Colman lively, only an Aloysius McGowan clearance off the line, seconds later, prevented another goal and it was more of the same in the second half.

Taylor turned provider soon after the restart, beating Alan Fox and Fred Davis on the wing to lay on a tap-in for Whelan, who claimed his second of the afternoon.

After twice going close with efforts, Taylor did find the net again in the 56th minute, when heading home a corner by David Pegg.

Waters denied Webster a goal his performance deserved, while United kept things tight at the other end. Bill Foulkes and Byrne were excellent, and Wood kept out shots by Parker and David Jones as the hosts chased a consolation strike.

However, it remained 5-0, and this provided another reminder of the quality of Busby's men. Four days later, in the league, the Reds made the much shorter trip to Maine Road and won the derby, beating Manchester City 4-2.