Manchester United have had a weak season, losing their last game away to Nottingham Forest. After a week's break, they face the third round of the FA Cup, away to League One side Wigan Athletic. Given how they have been on all fronts this season, the domestic cup competition is their only chance to avoid a defeat, so beating their opponents and continuing their quest for the title is their only goal.
Manchester United took the initiative in the game, and despite the failure of the three strikers Marcus Rashford, Hojlen and Garnacho, the Red Devils relied on goals from Diogo Dalot and B Fee to beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 and successfully progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup. In order to claim his first win of the new year, Ten Hag fielded a main line-up line-up, including starting goalkeeper Onana, defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Evans and Diogo Dalot, as well as midfielders Scott McTominay, Maynu, Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, with Hojlen up front. As soon as the game began, Manchester United suppressed Wigan Athletic and launched a fierce attack.
Although the home side tried to counter-attack while defending, in the third minute their shot was brilliantly cleared by Onana. United took the lead in the 22nd minute when Marcus Rashford's shot from inside the box was unsuccessful, opting to pass back to Diogo Dalot, who fired straight away from distance. Just two minutes later, United came close to extending their lead, but the ball was saved by the goalkeeper and hit the post. Just before half-time, Garnacho's long-range shot hit the crossbar again. In the first 45 minutes, Manchester United hit the woodwork three times, but only led 1-0 into the break.
Wigan Athletic stepped up their attack in the second half in an attempt to tie the scoreline, which led to a drop in United's control. However, in the 72nd minute, Bruno Fernandes was tripped in the opposition penalty area to win a penalty for Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes took the penalty himself to extend the score to 2-0 and cement United's lead. Control of the game was then returned to the Red Devils, who managed to hold on to their away advantage and keep a clean sheet to secure the win despite failing to extend their lead. After this first win of the new year, the pressure on Ten Hag eased.
However, the Reds will host Tottenham Hotspur in their next game, the first meeting between the two teams this season. Tottenham won 2-0 at home to the Red Devils in their last meeting, but their form has dropped sharply as the schedule progresses, giving United hope of revenge.