A stoppage-time penalty from Wayne Rooney snatched a 1-0 FA Cup third-round win for Manchester United against Sheffield United as Old Trafford endured another turgid offering from Louis van Gaal's side.
The League One side were rarely threatened during the 90 minutes, with full-back Matteo Darmian producing the hosts' first shot on target in the 69th minute.
There was almost a huge shock at Eastleigh where the FA Cup's only remaining non-league side came agonisingly close to dumping out Championship strugglers Bolton.
Dorian Dervite's own-goal early in the second-half looked set to be decisive but Darren Pratley fired home three minutes from time to spare the blushes of manager Neil Lennon.
Remi Garde remains in search of his first win as Aston Villa manager as a 50th-minute penalty from Joe Jacobson secured a 1-1 draw for League Two Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park despite captain Micah Richards coolly netting the opener for the Premier League's bottom club.
AFC Bournemouth needed an 85th-minute winner from sub Glenn Murray to complete a 2-1 comeback win at Birmingham City, while West Brom left it even later against Championship opposition – James Morrison pouncing five minutes into stoppage time to hold Bristol City to a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns.
Arsenal's quest for a third consecutive FA Cup triumph began with a 3-1 win over Sunderland, as Joel Campbell, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud responded to Jeremain Lens' opener.
In Saturday's other all-Premier League ties Crystal Palace won 2-1 at Southampton and Watford beat Newcastle United 1-0.
A rasping Jon Walters drive saw Stoke City past Doncaster Rovers of League One 2-1, Everton were 2-0 winners over Dagenham and Redbridge, while former Goodison Park striker Nikica Jelavic's first goal for West Ham sunk Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0.
