- Newport County will host Man United in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon
- Their manager Graham Coughlan wants his United-mad family to support him
- NO ONE can fill Jurgen Klopp’s shoes… but Xabi Alonso can go wherever he wants. If Liverpool are smart, they will ask him to come to Anfield It all starts
Newport County manager Graham Coughlan has warned his Man United-crazed family that they risk being left out if they dare to support Erik ten Hag’s men in his team’s FA Cup on Sunday.
The League Two club will be in for a big surprise when they meet United at Rodney Parade as they aim to reach the fifth round of English football’s oldest cup competition.
But Coughlan and his family are lifelong United supporters, suggesting their loyalties could be divided in the household on Sunday afternoon. However, Coughlan hopes he will have the support of his family and joked that there will be consequences if he finds out they have cheered on the Red Devils.
“My daughter will support me and the wife better support me – or she’s out the door,” Coughlan said.
‘My father and mother will be there, and of course they hope that I will be fine.
Newport County boss Graham Coughlan joked his Man United-mad family will be left out this weekend if they support the Red Devils
Coughlan’s men are hoping for a big surprise by beating Erik ten Hag’s United
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‘I don’t think there will be a split in loyalty. I will lock the door on them on Sunday night if they support anyone other than me.”
Coughlan revealed he has followed United for decades and saw them go through difficult moments before their glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The club have struggled since the Scot left just over a decade ago, but Coughlan has backed them to bounce back following Ineos’ recent partial takeover of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
However, he believes that his team can give the Ten Hag team a tough test this weekend, especially with a hostile crowd behind them.
‘I followed United years ago when they couldn’t win an argument, let alone a match! It was hard being a United fan at the time because Liverpool were dominating and I was getting beaten every day at school,” Coughlan explained.
Coughlan believes the Rodney Parade crowd will give his team the chance to pull off a huge upset
‘But they quickly turned that around. They are going through a similar period now and they will get through it, I have no doubt.
‘Regardless of whether we have won, lost or drawn this season, our fans have been right behind us and have carried us over the line at times.
‘That is unique and a strength of this football club and community.
“It’s hostile, it’s loud, and when they start beating the drum it’s an atmosphere to enjoy.”