On Monday night, Manchester United averted an FA Cup upset by defeating League One side Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium, securing a spot in the fourth round where they will face either Newport County or Eastleigh later this month.
Despite United’s profligacy in front of goal, Diogo Dalot’s 22nd-minute strike and Bruno Fernandes’ second-half penalty, earned through Liam Shaw’s tackle, sealed the victory. The win keeps Manchester United’s hopes alive for silverware in the 2023/24 season, setting up a clash with either Newport or Eastleigh in the fifth round.
The game unfolded with Wigan creating the first significant chance, but Andre Onana thwarted Thelo Aasgaard’s attempt. United gradually took control, with Dalot’s well-curled opener settling nerves. Wigan survived the first half with only a 1-0 deficit due to United’s inefficient finishing.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
In the second half, United continued to dominate possession, creating numerous chances. Fernandes and Hojlund combined well, but United’s wastefulness persisted. The game’s complexion changed when Fernandes won and converted a penalty in the 74th minute, sealing the victory and diminishing Wigan’s late offensive threat.
Despite a resilient performance from Shaun Maloney’s side, Wigan left empty-handed, marking a return to winning ways for United after their recent defeat to Nottingham Forest. Erik ten Hag’s team aims to surpass their last season’s FA Cup performance and go further, having been defeated by local rivals Manchester City at Wembley.