Manchester Utd held by Wolves in FA Cup stalemate, Man City cruise through

Spluttering Manchester United were forced to settle for a dour 0-0 draw at Wolves in FA Cup third round, while holders Manchester City started ir bid to retain trophy with a 4-1 victory against Port Vale. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's troubled side on Saturday didn't man a single shot on target in a domestic game for first time in five years. Easily beaten by Arsenal in Premier League on Wednesday, United once again struggled to find any momentum and w face an unwanted replay at Old Trafford later in January.

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Defending latest in a growing list of underwhelming displays, Solskjaer said: "I'm happier to be in replay than going out. It's a fair result that we are both still in cup. "It's a tough place to come. y had chances. Sergio Romero made some great saves. He's putting pressure on David de Gea and that's what we want. We want best players in world here."  Solskjaer made seven changes at Molineux with League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City looming on Tuesday.

Kcked out by Wolves in FA Cup quarter-finals last season, disjointed United nearly fell behind when Matt Doherty's volley was superbly turned away by Romero. Brandon Williams had a strong penalty appeal rejected by VAR after United left-back tumbled following a challenge with Leander Dendoncker. United substitute Marcus Rashford hit bar with his first touch, but Wolves nearly won it in closing moments as Raul Jimenez smashed against a post, leaving Solskjaer's men with just two wins from ir last five matches.

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At Etihad Stadium, City boss Pep Guardiola made seven changes, but Oleksandr Zinchenko got scoring started against fourth-tier Vale after 20 minutes. Port Vale striker Tom Pope had memorably mocked John Stones last year, claiming he would love to play against him after being underwhelmed by City defender's performance during an England match. And with Stones returning for City after a month out with a hamstring injury, 34-year-old Pope backed up his social media taunts by equalising with a glancing header in 35th minute.

Sergio Aguero restored order when he fired City back in front with his 15th goal of season three minutes before half-time. Taylor Harwood-Bellis sealed win from Stones' flick in 58th minute and Phil Foden got fourth in 76th minute. "We are in next round after an incredible amount of games. We played seriously. First half we struggled a bit but second half was better," Guardiola said.

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Villa, Brighton crash out

Aston Villa and Brighton suffered embarrassing exits as Premier League clubs paid price for making a raft of team changes. Villa are languishing just above relegation zone after a difficult first season back in top-flight and boss Dean Smith prioritised that survival battle with nine changes in 2-1 loss at second tier Fulham. Anthony Kckaert gave Fulham lead with a 54th minute curler as former Brighton forward grabbed his first goal since September.

Anwar El Ghazi equalised for Villa in 63rd minute, but understudies couldn't hold on as Harry Arter won it with a 30-yard thunderbolt with 16 minutes left.

" game was won by two wonder-goals," Smith said. 

"I don't like losing in any competition, but everyone could see this wasn't top of our priority list, because we have had injuries to three key players." 

Brighton endured same fate as Villa as Albion boss Graham Potter made seven changes from ir New Year's Day draw against Chelsea and second-tier Sheffield Wednesday took advant with a 1-0 win at Amex Stadium. Adam Reach blasted Wednesday into fourth round with a deflected long-range strike in 65th minute. Watford blew a three-goal lead in a dramatic 3-3 draw against third-tier strugglers Tranmere, while Newcastle were held to a 1-1 draw by League One minws Rochdale. 

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