Coughlan's cup specialists can shock Erik & Co

NEWPORT HOPE UNITED TIE IS A SPRINGBOARD

- Alex Crook

The League Two minnows, who have a proud recent record in the FA Cup, set up what manager Graham Coughlan called the biggest game in their history by beating non-League Eastleigh 3-1 in Tuesday's third-round replay.

It is a potential banana skin that under-pressure Ten Hag could do without, given United's dismal season so far and the increased scrutiny on his position following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover.

The consequences of defeat at Rodney Parade and falling victim to arguably one of the greatest FA Cup upsets of all time do not bear thinking about. Even if boyhood United fan Coughlan, above, laughs out loud at the suggestion his side can stun the Red Devils.