Cambridge vs. Manchester United: Winners and Losers from FA Cup Game
Manchester United failed to secure a spot in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday, as they drew 0-0 at the Abbey Stadium with League Two side Cambridge United.
The Red Devils created a few strong chances in front of goal in the second half, but they were unable to put the ball past Cambridge goalkeeper Chris Dunn.
Due to the draw, the two sides will have to battle it out at Old Trafford during the first week of February for the coveted spot in the next round.
Here's a look at the winners and losers from the FA Cup fourth-round stalemate at the Abbey Stadium.
Winner: Chris Dunn
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Cambridge keeper Chris Dunn made a few massive saves in the second half to preserve the 0-0 draw at home.
His first major denial came in the 62nd minute, when he stopped a shot from Radamel Falcao with his right hand. If Dunn did not get a piece on the Colombian's shot, the visitors would have taken the lead and cruised to victory.
In the waning moments of the second half, Dunn was forced into action on two occasions to ensure the U's of a replay at Old Trafford on February 3 or 4.
The 27-year-old finished the match with five saves, which were five more than the total recorded by David de Gea on the other side of the pitch.
Loser: Phil Jones
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Phil Jones was nowhere close to earning the Man of the Match award when referee Chris Foy sounded the final whistle.
Jones was once again thrust into the role of corner taker by United boss Louis van Gaal, and just like his efforts against Queens Park Rangers, the defender produced few threatening chances.
He also committed a brutal defensive error in the 21st minute, as his pass across the pitch was intercepted by Ryan Donaldson. Luckily for the centre-back, his teammates erased all of the danger at the top of the penalty area.
Despite coming up with a major clearance on a Donaldson cross in the 84th minute, the lasting memories of Jones from this match will primarily be negative ones.
Winner: Ryan Donaldson
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In a match where Cambridge's attack was held silent for the most part after half-time, Ryan Donaldson provided the U's with a constant threat on the right wing and through set pieces.
The 23-year-old went to work early on in the match, as he provided a few dangerous balls into the box off corner kicks.
Donaldson was the busiest player on the pitch in the crossing department, as he sent in eight prospective passes from the wing.
His most dangerous contribution came in the 84th minute, when Jones was forced to nod the ball out for a corner.
When the U's begin to build a game plan for their trip to Old Trafford, they should do it around the 23-year-old, who was far from intimidated by the United defense.
Loser: James Wilson
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James Wilson failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity in a starting forward role Friday night for Manchester United.
Before he was lifted from the pitch in the 66th minute, Wilson touched the ball on 14 occasions for the visiting Red Devils.
The 19-year-old's total number of touches were the lowest among any field player who started the fourth-round match.
Wilson could have used the match as a springboard into the first team, but instead he failed to impress in every facet of the game.
Winner: Adnan Januzaj
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Adnan Januzaj impressed in a rare start on the wing for United in the boisterous road environment at the Abbey Stadium.
The 19-year-old led all United attackers with 78 touches and recorded four shots in the scoreless draw.
In his first 90-minute performance since the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 26, Januzaj showed Van Gaal that he can be a valuable asset in the United system.
The Belgian's showing against the League Two side should hand him more playing time in the near future. If he continues to impress in his time on the pitch, Januzaj could be a key cog in United's attacking machine during the stretch run of the English Premier League season.
Loser: Radamel Falcao
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It may be a bit harsh to label Radamel Falcao as a loser after the match. But if you look closely at his impact on the game, he only popped up on a few occasions to cause a threat in front of goal.
Against the League Two side, the Colombian put one of his four shots on target and recorded 24 touches. The lone shot sent on goal by the on-loan forward forced Dunn into a spectacular save.
If Falcao would have been able to create one or two more chances like his one in the 62nd minute, the Red Devils might have already clinched a spot in the fifth round.
If the Red Devils are to advance to the next round from the replay in the first week of February, Falcao must display better instincts in front of goal.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90
All statistics obtained from WhoScored.com.
