Even though the roof leaks, Manchester United will feel right at home at Rodney Parade as Newport County practices for their lucrative FA Cup fourth-round match…

They carried their flasks and camp chairs with them. After putting on their heavy jackets and woolly hats, they spent hours pushing their way through the bitter cold along the twisting line in the direction of the ticket office.

The winners grabbed their prizes and walked out of Rodney Parade, calling their loved ones to let them know they had made it. People who arrived at the front after the shutters were closed trekked home and came back the following day.

Arriving at 4am, the first man there was aware of the turmoil that had come before. The original plan was for the ticket office to open at 10 a.m. Another begged to be left out of photos since he was supposed to be at place of employment.

The moment you cheer for Newport County and Manchester United when they visit town, this is what takes place.

“I am aware that they are garbage,” admits ardent admirer Chris Parry. “But it appears that Manchester United is involved.”

Like any other Newport supporter, Chris purchased his ticket for the FA Cup fourth-round match online, but he mentioned that he felt more a part of the experience when he was live. Nothing compares to actually obtaining a ticket in your hands.

Massive FA Cup matches at Rodney Parade are nothing new for Newport. Before Harry Kane forced a replay in the same year, they were within minutes away from a historic victory over Tottenham. A year later, Manchester City advanced to the fifth round after Newport eliminated Leicester and Middlesbrough, and Pep Guardiola’s team couldn’t end it until stoppage time. But the case for Manchester United is unique.