In a decisive FA Cup third-round clash, Manchester United claimed victory over Wigan Athletic with a 2-0 win, securing their place in the fourth round.
Diogo Dalot’s first-half strike and a controversial penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes were enough for the Red Devils to secure their first away win since November.
The victory was accompanied by a favorable fourth-round draw for Manchester United, pitting them against either non-league Eastleigh or Newport County of League Two.
This FA Cup campaign represents United’s last opportunity for silverware this season and could serve as a crucial lifeline for manager Erik ten Hag, especially with the team facing challenges in the Premier League and already eliminated from European competitions.
Commenting on the win, Ten Hag stated, “The FA Cup is all about winning, it is knockout. You want to finish the job.” While the visitors were not significantly troubled at the DW Stadium, Ten Hag acknowledged that the first half showcased some excellent football, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Despite hitting the woodwork twice in the first half, United remained focused, and Dalot’s goal from Marcus Rashford’s pass put them in the lead on 22 minutes.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 8, 2024
The second goal, controversially awarded after a penalty decision involving minimal contact, came from Fernandes 16 minutes from time, extinguishing any hopes of a giant-killing by Wigan.
Looking ahead, Manchester United aims to carry this positive momentum into their Premier League winter break, facing Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
With aspirations of returning to the Champions League next season, Ten Hag emphasized the optimism within the club, fueled in part by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe’s recent acquisition of a 25 percent stake.
“It is an inspiration. Everyone is optimistic. There is a lot of work to do,” said Ten Hag. “It is a journey, it is a project, and now we have had to deal with some setbacks, but we will keep alive, survive it, and strike back.”
