There was no fairytale FA Cup giant killing for Wigan Athletic as they hosted Manchester United on a cold Monday night at the DW Stadium. Shaun Maloney’s side slipped to a 2-0 defeat against the Red Devils whose greater quality was evident for all to see.
Things could have been different though as the hosts created the first chance of the night. Martial Godo nipping down the right wing to set up Thelo Aasgaard on the left side of the box only for Andre Onana to charge down the shot. From there though it was all United.
They were wasteful in front of goal and, coupled with a fine display from goalkeeper Sam Tickle, found it difficult to score. The deadlock was broken by a wonderful curling effort. Marcus Rashford slipping the ball to Diogo Dalot just inside the penalty area with the defender having enough time to set himself and pick out the far bottom corner.
In the second half there were a few nervous moments for the visitors. Nothing too stressful and when Bruno Fernandes’ theatrics bought his team a penalty, which he himself converted, that put the game past Wigan.
Relive the action from the DW Stadium below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United LIVE
Wigan host Manchester United in the FA Cup third round
Wigan are two leagues lower than Man Utd and could cause an upset should they win
74’ GOAL! – Fernandes slots home to the bottom corner (WIG 0-2 MUN)
72’ PENALTY! – Fernandes wins a penalty for United (WIG 0-1 MUN)
43’ CROSSBAR! – Garnacho hits the woodwork with blazing effort (WIG 0-1 MUN)
30’ CLOSE! – Hojlund nods the ball over the top from close (WIG 0-1 MUN)
22’ GOAL! – Diogo Dalot curls one past Sam Tickle for the visitors (WIG 0-1 MUN)
14’ SAVE – Sam Tickle denies Marcus Rashford from close range (WIG 0-0 MUN)
3’ CHANCE! – Wigan break on the counter but Onana denies Aasgaard (WIG 0-0 MUN)
Wigan Athletic FC 0 – 2 Manchester United FC
Manchester United’s wasteful win over Wigan shows just how much they still need to improve
22:25 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola knows what it is like, Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini too. Erik ten Hag does not, and that represents hope of salvaging silverware from a sorry season. Three times in the last 11 years, Wigan had upset the odds and ejected a Manchester club from the FA Cup. Each was Manchester City, each a better team than Ten Hag’s Manchester United are now. But they averted embarrassment with an emphatic performance, if a relatively narrow scoreline, to set up a tie where defeat would be a still greater humiliation.
Newport or Eastleigh await in the fourth round, with a path to the last 16 looking navigable for last season’s runners-up. On a night when Ten Hag’s forwards were rampant at times but wasteful at others, a defender, in Diogo Dalot, broke the deadlock and Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty: United’s chance conversion rate this season remains resolutely low but they can at least hope their season has a happy finish.
Man Utd’s wasteful win over Wigan shows just how much they still need to improve
FT Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
22:37 , Mike Jones
Since being eliminated by Swansea City in the third round in 2014, Manchester United have progressed in each of their last 10 such ties in the competition, conceding just one goal during that time.
Reaction from United’s Diogo Dalot
22:27 , Mike Jones
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, spoke to ITV after the match saying: “I think we created a lot of chances. We could have put the ball in the net more than we did. Overall we controlled the game, we had some good moments and I’m glad that we won.
“It gave us more confidence. We were needing the goal so we could be more calm and not rushing to score. We created a lot and could have scored more. It’s what we missed today.
“It brings some good, new energy with positive feelings [Sir Jim Ratcliffe buying into the club]. We’re looking to the future with the good energy. You can feel at Carrington the motivation they have brought in.
“We’re Manchester United and we want to win everything.”
FT Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
22:11 , Mike Jones
(Action Images via Reuters)
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Man City set for trip to Tottenham as Manchester United beat Wigan to reach FA Cup fourth round
22:09 , Mike Jones
FA Cup holders Manchester City will make the journey to London as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in a mouth-watering fourth round clash.
This fixture is one of several all Premier League ties with Chelsea set to host Unai Emery’s high-flying Aston Villa and Newcastle making the trip to Fulham.
Premier League leaders, Liverpool, will host Norwich or Bristol Rovers at Anfield while Manchester United, who defeated Wigan Athletic 0-2 on Monday night, take on either Newport County or Eastleigh.
Man City set for trip to Tottenham as Man Utd reach FA Cup fourth round
Full-time! Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
22:07 , Mike Jones
90+4 mins: There goes the final whistle.
Wigan held their own against Manchester United and have been beaten by a cracking goal from Diogo Dalot and a penalty that probably should not have been given.
It was an impressive performance from Shaun Maloney’s men but they were fortunate that the scoreline wasn’t worse. United were horribly wasteful in front of goal but they’ve got the job done and make it through to the next round.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
22:03 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Josh Magennis receives the ball inside the Man Utd penalty area. Under pressure he looks to bring the ball down and shoot but it runs away from him and the chance goes begging for Wigan.
Four added minutes to play.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:58 , Mike Jones
86 mins: Close!
Thelo Aasgaard breaks free and unleashes a low effort from outside the penalty area. The shot has Andre Onana interested for a while but the goalkeeper pulls his hands away and lets the ball run wide of the far post.
A Wigan goal would make things interesting.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:56 , Mike Jones
83 mins: Baba Adeeko is pushed off the ball in the middle of the pitch and United work it quickly to the edge of the box. A half cross/half shot comes in from the right but it’s snatched safely by Sam Tickle.
The Wigan goalkeeper has proven himself a valuable asset this evening.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:54 , Mike Jones
80 mins: Bruno Fernandes is now being booed by the home fans following his antics in winning the penalty. Wigan bring the ball down the right wing and whip a cross into the box only for Andre Onana to pluck the ball out of the air.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:52 , Mike Jones
78 mins: Callum McManaman has been introduced for Wigan. He’s got himself stuck in immediately and tries to get into a bit of scrap to urge his team into a strong final push.
GOAL! Wigan 0-2 Manchester United (Fernandes, 74’)⚽️
21:47 , Mike Jones
74 mins: Bruno Fernandes takes the penalty himself and slots it into the bottom left corner as Sam Tickle leaps in the opposite direction.
It’s a fine penalty and doubles United’s lead.
Penalty! Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:46 , Mike Jones
72 mins: Bruno Fernandes buys a penalty for Manchester United after he is slightly touched in the penalty area. The United captain goes down like a tonne of bricks and the referee points to the spot.
Wigan protest but no VAR means the decision has to stand.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:45 , Mike Jones
69 mins: Rasmus Hojlund has another chance to shoot but he doesn’t connect properly and his effort dribbles into the hands of Sam Tickle.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:40 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Almost!
A Wigan counter attack sees Godo played in behind after the hosts clear away a set piece. He drives into the box and looks to cut onto his right foot only for Mainoo to get back and turn the ball out for a corner.
Wigan play it short then flick a cross into the hands of Onana who juggles for a bit but clings onto the ball.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:35 , Mike Jones
63 mins: The longer this match goes on the more Wigan will believe they can nick something from the game. An equaliser would spark a touch of panic from Man Utd who have dominated this match for most of it’s play time.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:33 , Mike Jones
60 mins: There’s a break in play after a collision between Thelo Aasgaard and Raphael Varane. Aasgaard clips Varane on the nose as both men jump for an aerial ball.
The Man Utd defender gets patched up and the game goes on.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:31 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Martial Godo has been switched out onto the left side by Shaun Maloney and he gets the chance to run forward. Wigan work the ball nicely and feed it out to Godo who lifts a teasing pass into the middle.
Thelo Aasgaard is the willing runner but the ball just drops over his head and and bounces out for a goal kick.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:27 , Mike Jones
54 mins: A short corner from Manchester United is lifted into the far post from Bruno Fernandes who picks out Scott McTominay. The midfielder meets the ball on the volley and pings his effort into the side netting with Sam Tickle covering the gap at the post.
Tough effort, but another chance for the visitors.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:24 , Mike Jones
51 mins: McTominay receives the ball in the final third and drives to the edge of the box. He shoots but drills the shot straight into his teammate Rasmus Hojlund.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:21 , Mike Jones
48 mins: United pick up where they left off in the first half, controlling possession and slowly building up their play before bursting into life near the penalty area.
Rashford takes a shot from range but screws his effort wide of the far post this time.
Second half! Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:18 , Mike Jones
Thelo Aasgaard gets the match back underway for the second half. No changes from either manager at the break but they won’t be far away.
HT Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:12 , Mike Jones
The positive for Wigan is that they managed to creat six shots at goal in the first half. Only one of them needs to drop in the second 45 minutes and Man Utd will have a problem.
The visitors will be slightly frustrated with their return so far.
HT Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:10 , Mike Jones
Manchester United had 17 shots in that first half but their xG was only 2.31.
The goal from Diogo Dalot was only 0.036, with misses from Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay missing big opportunities to put the visitors out of sight.
Half-time! Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:02 , Mike Jones
45+1 mins: The half-time break arrives with Manchester United taking a slim lead into the changing rooms. In truth the visitors have dominated and should be further ahead.
Wigan’s best chance came through Thelo Aasgaard in the early minutes but since then it’s been all Man Utd. Can Wigan punch back in the second half?
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:58 , Mike Jones
43 mins: Woodwork!
Alejandro Garnacho cuts in from the right side and smokes a shot at goal. Tickle leaps for the ball but it goes over him and rattles into the crossbar before bouncing away.
A minute or so later, Hojlund has another chance to score but his guided effort is kept out by the outstretched foot of Tickle.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:55 , Mike Jones
40 mins: You have to say, Wigan aren’t afraid to take their shots.
The corner is rolled to Godo who crosses it over to Charlie Hughes. He stops the ball and blasts a quick effort at goal only to see it blocked and cleared away.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:53 , Mike Jones
38 mins: There are more goals in this game for Manchester United. They’re quicker and sharper than Wigan as to be expected. Erik ten Hag’s men need to take the opportunity to get their forwards firing. Hojlund needs a goal.
United have to defend first though as Wigan win a free kick over on the right side. It’s knocked short to Humphrys who runs it to the box and shoots winning the hosts a corner after his effort is deflected wide.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:51 , Mike Jones
36 mins: Wigan Athletic are living dangerously. Rashford cuts inside again from the left wing and blazes a shot at goal. Sam Tickle keeps it out but palms the ball back into the dangerzone.
Rasmus Hojlund is the first to react but taps the ball wide of the target.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:48 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Nearly! Manchester United win a free kick in a dangerous area and Marcus Rashford lines up a shot. He fizzes the effort over the wall and curls it away from the goalkeeper.
Tickle dives across and watches as the ball sails wide of the far post.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:46 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Chance!
There’s no let up as United sweep forward again. Garnacho whips in the cross this time and perfectly picks out Rasmus Hojlund. He’s got to score.
He connects with a free header but smokes the effort over the top of the crossbar, perhaps clipping the woodwork on the way through.
Sam Tickle seemed well positioned so maybe he would have kept it out.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:45 , Mike Jones
28 mins: Close!
Stephen Humphrys takes a shot from the edge of the penalty area looking to emulate Diogo Dalot’s effort. He tries to curl one into the far corner but doesn’t get the whip on the ball.
Martial Godo arrives near the far post and attempts to backheel it into the goal but the effort goes wide.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:43 , Mike Jones
25 mins: Can Wigan Athletic respond to that goal?
They’ve been pushed deeper and deeper by the visitors who are starting to look like a Premier League side. Wigan give possession away in the middle of the pitch and United counter quickly.
The ball us fed into the box and hit towards Tickle but the goalkeeper makes another good stop to keep the hosts in the match.
GOAL! Wigan 0-1 Manchester United (Dalot, 22’)⚽️
20:39 , Mike Jones
22 mins: Lovely finish.
Man Utd break down the right side with Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho combining to get the ball up the pitch. The cross comes in and is initially dealt with by Liam Morrison but he nods the ball to Marcus Rashford.
Rashford’s shot is blocked so he lays the rebound off to Diogo Dalot. Dalot takes a touch then bends a shot wide of Sam Tickle to nestle the ball into the far bottom corner.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:36 , Mike Jones
20 mins: Oh my! That deserved a goal.
Manchester United are fluid and slick in possession as Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes work the ball forward.
Fernandes slips a pass into the box where Scott McTominay arrives from deep. He collects the ball and looks for the bottom corner but just, just guides his effort wide.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:33 , Mike Jones
17 mins: Bruno Fernandes floats a fine diagonal into the box as Rasmus Hojlund sneaks in off the back of Liam Morrison. The defender leaps towards the ball and manages to nod it out for a corner.
The set piece is defended well but United win a second attempt. This time it’s played short to Marcus Rashford who rolls it back to Fernandes.
With a better angle he chips the ball into the penalty area but Wigan work it clear.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:30 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Save!
Manchester United punch back through Marcus Rashford who eases his way into the box then drops his shoulder and cuts in between Sean Clare and Martial Godo.
Rashford drills a low shot at goal but Sam Tickle drops to his right and palms it wide of the target.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:26 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Bruno Fernandes leaves a bit too much on Martial Godo in the middle of the pitch but it was a foul won by the Wigan midfielder who has been a bright spark so far in this game.
Manchester United don’t look as comfortable as they’d like to be.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:25 , Mike Jones
10 mins: Sean Clare provides another scare for Man Utd after a direct run down the right flank.
He cuts inside and drives into the penalty area before glancing at goal to eye up a shot. He doesn’t manage to get one away as Kobbie Mainoo is quickly onto him and pokes the ball clear of the enterprising defender.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:23 , Mike Jones
9 mins: A cross, with the outside of his right foot, from Diogo Dalot sends the ball into the middle of the box where it drops for Alejandro Garnacho.
The bounce is awkward and the teenager can’t get off a shot before Sessegnon takes the ball and boots it away.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:22 , Mike Jones
6 mins: United move forward down the right side but the attempted pass into the box is cleared away by Steven Sessegnon. Wigana are defending well and being aggressive through these opening stages.
That previous chance will give them some encouragement.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:19 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Chance!
Wigan boss, Shaun Maloney, said before the match that he expects the visitors to have most of possession so Wigan will set up to break on the counter.
An interception from Godo sees him win the ball and drive down the left side of the pitch. He carries it right up to the edge of the box before curling a pass to the opposite side.
Thelo Aasgaard collects the ball and shoots but Andre Onana manages to get out and smother the shot!
Kick off! Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:17 , Mike Jones
Manchester United get the match started at the DW Stadium and knock the ball around the back. They work it up to Marcus Rashford who is quickly knocked off the ball by Martial Godo who was a boyhood United fan now playing for Wigan.
Wigan vs Manchester United
20:11 , Mike Jones
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, speaking to ITV: “Of course it was a disadvantage that Hojlund became ill after scoring against Villa. He has been on a good run in the Champions League. This is his debut in the FA Cup and he is motivated to score a goal.
“Everyone will be sharp, they have very high ambition. We are looking forward to the competition.”
Wigan vs Manchester United
20:05 , Mike Jones
Wigan boss Shaun Maloney, speaking to ITV: “It’s probably the happiest I’ve ever been on the pitch. It was just pure joy. When I came to Wigan, I didn’t think about winning trophies.
“When you’re with Celtic, the pressure is relentless. I want to say I meant to put it in that exact area. The header was as good as you can get.
“If we have any chance tonight then we’re going to need big moments from our defenders and goalkeeper. We’ve got some talent in the final third, we’re going to need it tonight.”
Maguire on facing lower league opposition
20:00 , Mike Jones
Harry Maguire says playing against lower league teams in the FA Cup is always ‘great’ but the focus on winning remains the same for Manchester United.
“All these cup games when you go to the lower league teams are very good,” Maguire claimed. “They’re great atmospheres and great grounds to play in. Tranmere was as well.
“The first goal was really important to make sure we quietened the crowd and it’ll be the same on Monday night against Wigan.
“I know the atmosphere at Wigan can be good, so we’ve got to make sure we quieten the crowd and go there and be focused and make sure we get the win.”
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:55 , Mike Jones
Wigan have won their last five FA Cup games played on a Monday, most recently a 1-0 win over Manchester City in February 2018.
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:50 , Mike Jones
Manchester United have been eliminated from just two of their last 38 FA Cup third round ties, with both defeats in that run coming in home games (0-1 vs Leeds in 2010 and 1-2 vs Swansea in 2014).
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:45 , Mike Jones
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(Action Images via Reuters)
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:45 , Mike Jones
Since the start of the 2013/14 campaign (their first after relegation from the Premier League) Wigan have progressed from more FA Cups ties against top-flight opponents than any other side from outside the Premier League (6).
Why Manchester United clash signals the start of Wigan’s next chapter
19:40 , Mike Jones
Wigan are an embodiment of the magic of the FA Cup. A local town team from a lower league that, on the right occasion, punches above their weight to take out a giant – usually Manchester City.
Their greatest triumph came in 2013. Roberto Martinez’s side took on City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, edging the game 1-0 thanks to a Ben Watson header in stoppage time that won them the trophy for the very first time.
The following year, with Uwe Rosler now in charge, Wigan journeyed to the Etihad Stadium for the quarter-final and defeated City 2-1. Their trophy defence later ended in a penalty shootout against Arsenal in the final four.
The 2018 edition of the cup saw the Latics face City again and they ended the Premier League side’s pursuit of a quadruple by beating Pep Guardiola’s team, which featured Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne as a substitute, 1-0 at the DW Stadium after Will Grigg nipped in behind Kyle Walker for a cool finish past Claudio Bravo.
Why Manchester United clash signals the start of Wigan’s next chapter
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:35 , Mike Jones
Manchester United have won 18 of their 19 meetings against Wigan in all competitions with the exception being a 1-0 away loss in the Premier League in April 2012 when current Latics manager Shaun Maloney scored the winning goal.
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:30 , Mike Jones
This is just the second FA Cup meeting between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United, with the Red Devils winning 4-0 in the fourth round in 2016/17.
Wigan vs Manchester United team changes
19:25 , Mike Jones
Shaun Maloney makes a couple of changes to the Wigan Athletic side that drew 1-1 with Barnsley last time out. Josh Magennis and Callum Lang drop out with Thelo Aasgaard and Stephen Humphrys slotting into the forward line.
There are also two changes for Manchester United. They lost to Nottingham Forest in their previous outing so Christian Eriksen and Antony are out with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund coming in.
Erik ten Hag has named a strong line-up against the League One side.
Wigan vs Manchester United line-ups
19:16 , Mike Jones
Wigan Athletic XI: Tickle, Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Sessegnon; Shaw, Adeeko, Jones, Aasgaard, Godo, Humphrys
Your Tics team to take on Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup. 🏆 👊#wafc 🔵⚪️
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 8, 2024
Manchester United XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, Mainoo, McTominay, Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
Harry Maguire talks Wigan loan spell
19:10 , Mike Jones
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire is unlikely to feature in tonight’s match at the DW Stadium but he has a familiarity with the ground having played for Wigan during a loan spell in 2015.
Maguire made 16 appearances for the Latics and looks back on his time with the club in fondness.
The defender was a Hull City player when loaned to Wigan but gained valuable experience in the Championship before going on to establish himself as a Premier League defender for the Tigers and then Leicester City.
“It was amazing. I only had two or three months there,” said Maguire when reminiscing about his time at Wigan, “The fans really welcomed me, they were amazing with me.
“I really enjoyed playing for them. It was a difficult time for the club when I went there, but yeah I have great memories of the club. It’s a real good club, with good fans, passionate fans and one that I’m really appreciative of.”
How Wigan’s Callum McManaman went from FA Cup final glory to retirement and back again
19:05 , Mike Jones
Callum McManaman was still living with his mum and dad. Callum McManaman was also man of the match in the FA Cup final. It is an odd juxtaposition to go with Wigan’s unique double in 2013, the FA Cup winners who were relegated in the same week.
It is not the only unusual element to McManaman’s improbable tale: the footballer who stopped playing football, who was to all intents and purposes retired, faces Manchester United on Monday in the competition that propelled him to prominence.
It was a decade ago.
“It feels like 20 years,” said McManaman. “It was surreal. It went from being no one knew who I was, still living in my mum and dad’s house. It was crazy, going from being basically a reserve-team player to playing in the Premier League and being man of the match in the FA Cup final.”
It puts him in elite company: the others to receive the accolade in the 21st century reads like a who’s who of the footballing greats: from Steven Gerrard to Michael Owen, Thierry Henry to Alexis Sanchez, Wayne Rooney to Ruud van Nistelrooy, Didier Drogba to Frank Lampard, Kevin De Bruyne to Ilkay Gundogan.
How Callum McManaman went from FA Cup final glory to retirement and back again
More from Maloney
19:00 , Mike Jones
Shaun Maloney has told his Wigan Athletic players to make this difficult for Manchester United when they arrive at the DW Stadium this evening.
“I have to try and create a belief in our team,” he said, “Our players have to feel from me that there is belief in certain moments, and the talent our players have can come to the fore.
“We can do it.
“We have to create a match which is extremely difficult for Man Utd. Everyone will expect one result – Manchester United to be very dominant. I have to give my players the belief that there are moments in this game where they can show their talent.”
Cup matches are ‘do or die’
18:55 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag says cup games are always ‘do or die’ affairs and that any opponent will always want to defeat Manchester United regardless of their position in the football pyramid.
He said: “So in the cup it is always about do or die and you have to be ready.
“An opponent will be always 100 per cent when they play against Manchester United, but especially when they play in the FA Cup against Manchester United. So we have to be ready to face them, be well prepared.
“We have the expectations that every game we have to win. It doesn’t matter for us if we are away or we play at home, we have to win games.”
Shaun Maloney on Wigan’s ‘belief’
18:50 , Mike Jones
Speaking to the local and national media at the DW Stadium on Friday afternoon, Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney stressed that his team needed to believe they can defeat Manchester United ahead of kick off.
“There has to be belief,” said Wigan’s boss, “I’m very aware of the history of Manchester United, and the connection it has with Scotland. We have to have belief.
“It will be very difficult, and they have talented players, on their day, they can be some of the best players in the Premier League and Europe.”
Ten Hag on January schedule
18:45 , Mike Jones
The Manchester United boss isn’t too worried about the amount of games coming up in January and says that the trick to team management is balancing training with rest.
When asked if his team prepares differently for busy periods he replied: “Yeah, but we always have had a very tough programme in 2023.
“I think one of the toughest programmes from all the teams across Europe, we played so many games. So, we have to take the time to get refreshed.
“But then also we have to get ready for the second half of the season. We have a lot to play for with the Premier League and FA Cup.”
Erik ten Hag issues updates on Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro
18:40 , Mike Jones
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, welcomed back injured duo Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro to the training pitch this week and is excited for their returns to the team saying: “Two class players and they will bring the team forward.
“We know that and now we’re looking forward to their return in the team on matchdays. But we have to wait for that.
“They still need some time to fully make their comeback but yeah, it is a good signal that they are back on the grass with the team, in the team training.
“Now, we have to make the next step [to get them] fully in the team training, and then they can work with us.”
Manchester United consider four sporting directors in eight-week audit of club
18:35 , Mike Jones
Sir Dave Brailsford will decide whether Manchester United need one chief or two in an audit that will last eight weeks.
The outcome will also detail other key appointments, but there will be no major decisions taken until its conclusion.
This is likely to mean a quiet January and ensure Erik ten Hag is safe as manager until the end of the season.
The audit, mandated by Ineos as they also go through the Premier League Owners and Directors Test for a minority stake in the club, is primarily an attempt to understand “the performance challenge”.
Man Utd consider four sporting directors in eight-week audit of club
Wigan vs Man Utd prediction
18:30 , Mike Jones
Despite the enormous gulf in resources and league positions between the two teams there is an excitable atmosphere surrounding this match as though an upset may be on the cards.
Wigan have enough quality to create a few chances at goal if Manchester United don’t live up to their best performance and the home crowd may just lift the League One side.
Still, Wigan have only ever beaten United once in their history so it seems unlikely that they’ll do so again tonight. Expect a nervy away win for Erik ten Hag’s men.
Wigan 1-2 Manchester United.
Wigan vs Man Utd predicted line-ups
18:25 , Mike Jones
Wigan Athletic XI: Tickle; Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Sessegnon; Shaw, Adeeko; McManaman, Lang, Godo; Magennis
Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Varane, Dalot; McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes; Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford.
Wigan vs Man Utd early team news
18:20 , Mike Jones
Wigan’s Jason Kerr and Tom Pearce will be absent, while Scott Smith and Stephen Humphrys are doubts. 11 years on from being player of the match in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, Callum McManaman remains a key figure in his third stint at the club.
While some other Premier League managers have rotated in the cup, Erik ten Hag is likely to name a strong side. It could well include Andre Onana after Manchester United reached agreement with Cameroon to delay the release of their goalkeeper to the Africa Cup of Nations, while Rasmus Hojlund could return further forward after overcoming an illness.
How to watch Wigan vs Man Utd
18:15 , Mike Jones
Wigan vs Manchester United is due to kick off at 8.15pm GMT at the DW Stadium.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 7.30pm GMT. The action will also be available online via ITVX.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Wigan vs Man Utd
16:17 , Mike Jones
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s FA Cup action as Wigan Athletic host Manchester United in the third round.
The two teams last faced each other in this very competition four years ago. That match was the only time the sides have met in the FA Cup and United stormed to a 4-0 victory at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag will be hoping to do something similar this evening as he sets his sights on a positive cup run.
Before the match gets underway, the draw for the fourth round will take place live on ITV1 as the teams who have already made it through, like Man City and Liverpool, will discover their fate for the next stage of the competition.
We’ll have all the action, updates and team news throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8.15pm.
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