There was no dream-like FA Cup giant killing for Wigan Athletic as they entertained Manchester United on a chilly Monday evening at the DW Stadium. Shaun Maloney’s side slumped to a 2-0 loss against the Red Devils whose superior quality was evident for all to witness.
Things could have been different though as the hosts fabricated the first opportunity of the night. Martial Godo darting down the right flank to create an opening for Thelo Aasgaard on the left side of the box only for Andre Onana to charge down the shot. From that point on, it was all United.
They were profligate in front of goal and, combined with a superb display from goalkeeper Sam Tickle, found it challenging to score. The deadlock was broken by a marvelous 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 nervy moments for the visitors. Nothing too demanding and when Bruno Fernandes’ theatrics earned 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
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Wigan host Manchester United in the FA Cup third round
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Wigan are two leagues lower than Man Utd and could cause an upset should they win
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74’ GOAL! – Fernandes slots home to the bottom corner (WIG 0-2 MUN)
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72’ PENALTY! – Fernandes wins a penalty for United (WIG 0-1 MUN)
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43’ CROSSBAR! – Garnacho hits the woodwork with blazing effort (WIG 0-1 MUN)
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30’ CLOSE! – Hojlund nods the ball over the top from close (WIG 0-1 MUN)
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22’ GOAL! – Diogo Dalot curls one past Sam Tickle for the visitors (WIG 0-1 MUN)
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14’ SAVE – Sam Tickle denies Marcus Rashford from close range (WIG 0-0 MUN)
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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 indicates just how much they still need to enhance
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 profligate 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 indicates just how much they still need to enhance
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.
Response 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
Forthcoming Match Between Tottenham and Man City Following Manchester United’s Victory Over Wigan to Enter FA Cup Fourth Round
22:09 , Mike Jones
Champions of the FA Cup, Manchester City, are poised to travel to London as they face Tottenham Hotspur in an enticing fourth round encounter.
In a parallel Premier League contest, Chelsea is scheduled to entertain Unai Emery’s in-form Aston Villa, while Newcastle will journey to Fulham.
At Anfield, Premier League frontrunners, Liverpool, will host either Norwich or Bristol Rovers. Meanwhile, Manchester United, triumphant with a 0-2 win over Wigan Athletic, will face either Newport County or Eastleigh.
Man City set for trip to Tottenham as Man Utd reach FA Cup fourth round
Conclusion of the Game! Manchester United Defeats Wigan 0-2
22:07 , Mike Jones
At 90+4 mins, the final whistle is blown.
Wigan put up a strong fight against Manchester United but succumbed to a spectacular goal from Diogo Dalot and a possibly undeserved penalty.
Shaun Maloney’s team delivered an impressive performance, but were fortunate that their opponents’ wastefulness in front of goal didn’t result in a bigger scoreline. Nonetheless, Manchester United secured the victory and progressed 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 attempts to control and shoot, but the opportunity slips away, and Wigan misses a chance to score.
There will be four minutes of added time.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:58 , Mike Jones
86 mins: Near miss!
Thelo Aasgaard breaks free and takes a low shot from outside the penalty area. The goalkeeper, Andre Onana, watches attentively, then withdraws his hands, allowing the ball to roll wide of the far post.
A goal by Wigan would add an interesting twist to the match.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:56 , Mike Jones
83 mins: Baba Adeeko is dispossessed in the middle of the field, and United swiftly advance to the edge of the box. A cross-shot combination is aimed from the right, but it’s securely caught by Sam Tickle.
The Wigan goalkeeper has proven to be a valuable asset this evening.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:54 , Mike Jones
80 mins: Bruno Fernandes is now being heckled by the home fans following his conduct in winning the penalty. Wigan moves the ball down the right wing, sends a cross into the box, and Andre Onana plucks the ball out of the air.
Wigan 0-2 Manchester United
21:52 , Mike Jones
78 mins: Callum McManaman is substituted in for Wigan. He immediately gets involved and tries to instigate his team for a strong final push.
GOAL! Wigan 0-2 Manchester United (Fernandes, 74’)⚽️
21:47 , Mike Jones
74 mins: Bruno Fernandes takes the penalty and places it into the bottom left corner as Sam Tickle dives in the opposite direction.
It’s a great penalty, doubling United’s lead.
Penalty! Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:46 , Mike Jones
72 mins: Bruno Fernandes earns a penalty for Manchester United after slight contact in the penalty area. The United captain goes down, and the referee signals for a penalty kick, sparking protests from Wigan.
However, the decision stands without VAR.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:45 , Mike Jones
69 mins: Rasmus Hojlund has another opportunity to shoot, but he fails to connect properly, and his attempt is easily gathered by Sam Tickle.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:40 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Almost!
A Wigan counterattack sees Godo released behind the defense after clearing a set piece. He penetrates the box and attempts to cut onto his right foot, but Mainoo recovers and clears the ball for a corner.
Wigan takes a short corner, then sends a cross into the hands of Onana who juggles for a moment but retains possession.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:35 , Mike Jones
63 mins: As the match progresses, Wigan will become increasingly confident in their chances of snatching a result. An equalizer would cause some concern for Man Utd, who have largely dominated this match.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:33 , Mike Jones
60 mins: Play is temporarily halted after a collision between Thelo Aasgaard and Raphael Varane. Aasgaard inadvertently strikes Varane on the nose as both players jump for an aerial ball.
The Manchester United defender receives treatment, and the game resumes.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:31 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Martial Godo is moved to the left side by Shaun Maloney and advances with the ball. Wigan craft a well-worked move, and Godo lofts a tantalizing pass into the box.
Thelo Aasgaard is the intended recipient, but the ball sails over his head and out for a goal kick.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:27 , Mike Jones
54 mins: A short corner from Manchester United is lifted to the far post by Bruno Fernandes, finding Scott McTominay. The midfielder meets the ball on the volley, driving his effort into the side netting, with Sam Tickle covering the near post.
It’s a tough chance, but another opportunity for the visitors.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:24 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Scott McTominay receives the ball in the final third, makes a run to the edge of the box, and shoots, but the ball goes straight into his teammate Rasmus Hojlund.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:21 , Mike Jones
48 mins: United continue with their first-half control of possession and slow build-up play beforebursting into existence near the penalty box.
Rashford fires a shot from distance but skews his attempt wide of the far post this time.
Second half! Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:18 , Mike Jones
Thelo Aasgaard commences the second half match. Neither manager has made changes at the interval but they won’t be far off.
HT Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
21:12 , Mike Jones
The upside for Wigan is that they were able to generate six attempts on goal in the first half. Only one of them needs to find the net in the second 45 minutes and Man Utd will have a problem.
The visitors will be slightly dismayed with their performance 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 squandering 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 carrying a slender lead into the changing rooms. Truthfully, 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 mount a comeback 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 rifles 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: It must be said, Wigan aren’t hesitant to take their shots.
The corner is rolled to Godo who crosses it over to Charlie Hughes. He halts the ball and unleashes 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 to be scored in this game for Manchester United. They’re quicker and sharper than Wigan as expected. Erik ten Hag’s side needs to capitalize on the opportunity to get their forwards firing. Hojlund needs to find the net.
United have to focus on defending first as Wigan win a free kick on the right side. It’s played short to Humphrys who takes 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 on the edge. Rashford cuts inside again from the left wing and blasts a shot at goal. Sam Tickle keeps it out but palms the ball back into the danger zone.
Rasmus Hojlund is the first to react but nudges the ball wide of the target.
Wigan 0-1 Manchester United
20:48 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Almost! Manchester United win a free kick in a dangerous area and Marcus Rashford lines up a shot. He whips 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: Opportunity!
There’s no respite as United surge forward again. Garnacho delivers the cross this time and perfectly picks out Rasmus Hojlund. He has to find the net.
He connects with a free header but launches 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, aiming to replicate Diogo Dalot’s effort. He tries to curl one into the far corner but doesn’t get the spin 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 is fed into the box and aimed 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 move 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 fluent and precise 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 earn a second opportunity. This time it’s played short to Marcus Rashford who rolls it back to Fernandes.
With a better angle he lofts the ball into the penalty area but Wigan clear it.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:30 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Save!
Manchester United counter through Marcus Rashford who maneuvers his way into the box then shifts his body 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 puts in 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 standout performer so far in this match.
Manchester United don’t look as composed as they’d prefer to be.
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:25 , Mike Jones
10 mins: Sean Clare provides another moment of concern for Man Utd after a direct run down the right flank.
He cuts inside and advances into the penalty area before glancing at goal to evaluate a shot. He doesn’t manage to get one away as Kobbie Mainoo is quick to 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. Wigan are defending well and being assertive in these opening stages.
That previous chance
Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:19 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Opportunity!
Prior to the match, Wigan manager Shaun Maloney expressed his anticipation for the visitors to dominate possession, while Wigan plans to organize their tactics for swift breaks.
An interception by Godo allows him to gain possession and advance down the left flank. He progresses towards the edge of the box and delivers a pass to the opposite side with a curl.
Thelo Aasgaard receives the ball, takes a shot, but Andre Onana dives out and smothers the attempt!
Kick off! Wigan 0-0 Manchester United
20:17 , Mike Jones
Manchester United commence the game at the DW Stadium and distribute the ball at the back. They move it towards Marcus Rashford, who quickly loses possession to Martial Godo, a former United fan now playing for Wigan.
Wigan vs Manchester United
20:11 , Mike Jones
Speaking to ITV, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed, “The setback of Hojlund falling ill after scoring against Villa was indeed a disadvantage. He has been performing well in the Champions League. This is his FA Cup debut, and he is driven to score a goal.
“Everyone will be alert; they possess very high aspirations. We are eagerly anticipating the competition.”
Wigan vs Manchester United
20:05 , Mike Jones
Wigan manager Shaun Maloney, in an interview with ITV, stated, “It’s perhaps the most elated I’ve felt on the pitch. It was pure joy. When I joined Wigan, I didn’t contemplate winning trophies.
“When you’re with Celtic, the pressure is incessant. I want to emphasize that I intended to place it in that precise area. The header was as commendable as it could get.
“If we are to have any chance tonight, then we’ll need significant moments from our defenders and goalkeeper. We possess some talent in the attacking third, and we’ll require it tonight.”
Maguire on confronting lower league opposition
20:00 , Mike Jones
Harry Maguire asserts that competing against lower league teams in the FA Cup is always ‘phenomenal,’ but the primary focus on securing victory remains unchanged for Manchester United.
“These cup matches, when you play against lower league teams, are truly exceptional,” Maguire affirmed. “They offer exceptional atmospheres and extraordinary grounds to play in, as was the case with Tranmere.
“Securing the first goal was immensely pivotal in ensuring we subdued the crowd, and it will be no different on Monday night against Wigan.
“I am aware that the atmosphere at Wigan can be formidable, so we must ensure we silence the crowd, stay focused, and secure the victory.”
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:55 , Mike Jones
Wigan has emerged victorious in their last five FA Cup matches played on a Monday, most recently a 1-0 triumph over Manchester City in February 2018.
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:50 , Mike Jones
Manchester United has been eliminated from only two out of their last 38 FA Cup third-round encounters, with both losses in that sequence occurring in home matches (0-1 vs Leeds in 2010 and 1-2 vs Swansea in 2014).
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:45 , Mike Jones
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:45 , Mike Jones
Since the commencement of the 2013/14 season (following their relegation from the Premier League), Wigan has advanced from more FA Cup ties against top-tier opponents than any other team from outside the Premier League (6).
Why Manchester United encounter signifies the commencement of Wigan’s subsequent phase
19:40 , Mike Jones
Wigan exemplify the allure of the FA Cup. A local town team from a lower league that, on the right occasion, defies expectations to conquer a behemoth – usually Manchester City.
Their most notable conquest occurred in 2013. Roberto Martinez’s squad faced City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, securing a 1-0 victory thanks to Ben Watson’s header in stoppage time, clinching their inaugural trophy.
The subsequent year, under Uwe Rosler’s management, Wigan traveled to the Etihad Stadium for the quarter-finals and triumphed over City 2-1. Their title defense concluded in a penalty shootout against Arsenal in the semifinals.
In the 2018 edition of the cup, the Latics confronted City again, terminating the Premier League side’s pursuit of a quadruple by defeating Pep Guardiola’s team, featuring Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne as a substitute, with a 1-0 victory at the DW Stadium after Will Grigg capitalized on an opportunity behind Kyle Walker for a composed finish past Claudio Bravo.
Why Manchester United encounter signifies the commencement of Wigan’s subsequent phase
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:35 , Mike Jones
Manchester United has emerged victorious in 18 out of their 19 encounters against Wigan in all competitions, with the exception being a 1-0 defeat away in the Premier League in April 2012, when the current Latics manager Shaun Maloney scored the winning goal.
Wigan vs Manchester United
19:30 , Mike Jones
This marks only the second FA Cup meeting between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United, with the Red Devils emerging triumphant with a 4-0 victory in the fourth round of 2016/17.
Wigan vs Manchester United team changes
19:25 , Mike Jones
Shaun Maloney implements a couple of alterations to the Wigan Athletic squad that drew 1-1 with Barnsley previously.time out. Josh Magennis and Callum Lang are not playing with Thelo Aasgaard and Stephen Humphrys taking their place in the forward line.
For Manchester United, there are two changes. They were defeated by Nottingham Forest in their last match, so Christian Eriksen and Antony are replaced by Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund.
Erik ten Hag has selected 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 reflects on Wigan loan spell
19:10 , Mike Jones
It’s unlikely that Manchester United’s Harry Maguire will feature in tonight’s match at the DW Stadium but he has fond memories of his loan spell with Wigan in 2015.
Maguire, during his time at Wigan, made 16 appearances and looks back on his experience with the club positively.
The defender, while on loan to Wigan from Hull City, gained valuable experience in the Championship before establishing himself as a Premier League defender for Hull City and later for Leicester City.
“It was an amazing experience. I only spent 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 challenging time for the club when I went there, but yeah I have great memories of the club. It’s a really good club, with good fans, passionate fans and one that I’m truly appreciative of.”
How Wigan’s Callum McManaman went from FA Cup final triumph to retirement and back again
19:05 , Mike Jones
Callum McManaman was still residing with his parents. Callum McManaman was also the man of the match in the FA Cup final. It’s an unusual 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 exceptional element of McManaman’s remarkable story: the footballer who ceased playing football, who was essentially retired, faces Manchester United on Monday in the competition that propelled him to fame.
It all happened a decade ago.
“It feels like 20 years,” said McManaman. “It was surreal. It went from being unknown, still living in my parents’ house. It was crazy, going from being basically a reserve-team player to playing in the Premier League and being the man of the match in the FA Cup final.”
This achievement puts McManaman in elite company: the others who received the accolade in the 21st century are a veritable who’s who of 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.
Callum McManaman’s journey from FA Cup final glory to retirement and back again
More insights from Maloney
19:00 , Mike Jones
Shaun Maloney has urged his Wigan Athletic players to make it tough for Manchester United when they visit the DW Stadium this evening.
“I have to instill 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 challenging 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 emphasizes Wigan’s ‘belief’
18:50 , Mike Jones
Shaun Maloney, speaking to the local and national media at the DW Stadium on Friday afternoon, 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 number of games coming up in January and says that the key to team management is balancing training with rest.
When asked if his team prepares differently for busy periods he replied: “Yeah, but we always had a very tough schedule in 2023.
“I think one of the most grueling schedules among 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 provides 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 theircomes back to the squad and remarks, “Two top-tier performers and they will propel the team forward.
“We are aware of that and now we are anticipating their comeback in the squad on matchdays. However, we must be patient for that.
“They still require some time to completely make their return but it’s a positive sign that they are back on the field with the squad, participating in team training.
“At this point, we need to progress to [getting them] fully involved in team training, and then they can collaborate with us.”
Manchester United evaluate four sports directors in an eight-week review of the club
18:35 , Mike Jones
Sir Dave Brailsford will determine whether Manchester United require one leader or two in an audit that will span eight weeks.
The report will also outline other crucial appointments, but no significant decisions will be made until its completion.
This is likely to result in a quiet January and guarantee Erik ten Hag remaining as the 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 comprehend “the performance challenge”.
Man Utd contemplate four sports directors in an eight-week assessment of the club
Wigan vs Man Utd forecast
18:30 , Mike Jones
Despite the vast difference in resources and league positions between the two sides, there is an enthusiastic atmosphere surrounding this match as if an unexpected victory may be in the offing.
Wigan possesses sufficient quality to create several goal-scoring opportunities if Manchester United fail to perform at their best, and the home crowd may just inspire the League One team.
However, Wigan has only triumphed over United once in their history, so it appears improbable that they will achieve this again tonight. Anticipate a tense away victory for Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Wigan 1-2 Manchester United.
Wigan vs Man Utd anticipated 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 unavailable, while Scott Smith and Stephen Humphrys are uncertain. Callum McManaman, who was named player of the match in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City 11 years ago, remains an influential figure in his third spell at the club.
While some other Premier League managers have rotated their squad in the cup, Erik ten Hag is likely to field a strong lineup. This may include Andre Onana, following an agreement between Manchester United and Cameroon to postpone the release of their goalkeeper for the Africa Cup of Nations, and Rasmus Hojlund, who could return to an advanced position after recovering from an illness.
How to watch Wigan vs Man Utd
18:15 , Mike Jones
Wigan vs Manchester United is scheduled to commence 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 traveling abroad and wish to watch major sporting events, you might require a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to assist and includes offers on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN should ensure compliance with any local regulations in their location, as well as 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 sides last met in this very competition four years ago. That match was the only encounter between the teams in the FA Cup, and United dominated with a 4-0 triumph at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag will be aiming for a similar outcome this evening as he sets his sights on a commendable cup campaign.
Prior to the match kicking off, the draw for the fourth round will be broadcast live on ITV1, during which teams that have already qualified, like Manchester City and Liverpool, will learn their fate for the next stage of the competition.
We will provide all the action, updates, and team news throughout the evening, so stay with us as we build up to kick off at 8.15pm.
