FA cup: Ronaldo-less Manchester United seal a hard-fought 1-0 win over Aston Villa

Manchester United beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the FA Cup third round on Monday night at Old Trafford, despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, courtesy an early strike from Scott McTominay.

Manchester United went ahead in the game in the eighth minute when McTominay headed a curling cross into the back of the net in the 8th minute.

The 8th-minute goal was the only high-point for the Red Devils as the Ralf Rangnick-side played a catching game since then.

Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa tried very hard to score the equaliser but as many as two goals were disallowed via VAR.

United goalkeeper David de Gea was certainly was the most impressive performer for his team with a string of diving saves.

Ronaldo missed the game due to a hip injury which Rangnick described as a minor one.

The 12-time FA Cup champions Manchester United will now play against second-tier Middlesbrough in the fourth round.

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