- United beats Wigan in FA Cup
- Dalot and Fernandes score
- Rashford influential despite wastefulness
Shaun Maloney aimed to present Manchester United with the challenging task of outperforming and outfighting his Wigan Athletic squad. Regrettably, the response was unfavorable for the Wigan manager and former United supporter. Erik ten Hag’s troubled squad prevented a late third-round upset by triumphing over the League One opponent at the DW Stadium.
United advanced to the fourth round of the National League, where a penalty kick by Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot secured a trip to either League Two Newport County or Eastleigh. Wigan, who hoped to inflict another FA Cup upset in front of their largest home crowd in a decade but could only threaten one in the opening minutes, were dominated by the visitors. Despite the gap remaining, Wigan was spared a more severe penalty due to United’s wastefulness in front of the goal.
Former United CEO David Gill and Ineos executives Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc occupied a front-row seat in the directors’ box as they continued their investigation into the internal workings of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s most recent investment. Officials and players of the Premier League club were uneasy at the beginning, as Wigan nearly completed a fantasy comeback with a goal from their opening attack. On the United counterattack, Sean Clare dispatched Martial Godo sprinting down the right flank in response to the League One side. Godo’s low cross to the back post found an unmarked Thelo Aasgaard, and André Onana was forced to make an outstanding save to prevent the Norway under-21 international, who was born in Liverpool, from converting with his first-time effort.
Dalot’s Brilliance and Rashford’s Wastefulness
Maloney’s squad began the match in a dominant position, with Fulham loanee Godo exhibiting assurance and positivity in possession. The open, flowing cup tie resulted from Wigan’s ambition, and United’s superior movement and technique progressively prevailed. A convergence of sluggish execution, excellent goalkeeping, and fortuitous circumstances denied Ten Hag’s squad even a marginal one-goal lead at the half when they should have been eliminated.
United grabbed the lead on the strength of Dalot’s outstanding finish. Marcus Rashford advanced to the left flank after defender Liam Morrison blocked his initial effort. It was crowded when Dalot lined up a shot from the periphery of the penalty area. However, he curled a pinpoint shot past Sam Tickle, the goalkeeper for Wigan, and into the lower corner.
Rashford was involved in most of United’s finest moments, albeit wasteful; his low shot from Tickle prompted the first save, to which the goalkeeper responded angrily. Before Dalot scored, Scott McTominay had another excellent opportunity but side-footed a pass from Fernandes that went wide. After the first goal, Tickle mishandled Rashford’s shot against the post, which Rashford thought extended the visitors’ lead. Wigan was fortunate enough to intercept the ball just before it crossed the line.
To avoid a mistake from Rasmus Højlund, Tickle deflected a twisting Rashford shot into the path of the Denmark forward. Tickle had previously blocked a shot with his knees. Hjlund was struck by the ball, which then drifted past Tickle’s goal. Alejandro Garnacho missed the crossbar from a distance. He missed another clear chance when McTominay headed over from close range after flinging himself at a Fernandes cross.
Wigan’s Defensive Challenges and Rashford’s Redemption
Wigan had few opportunities due to the pursuit of avoidance by Kobbie Mainoo, Jonny Evans, and Raphaël Varane, which was more of a deflection than a lack of intent on their part. However, leading goalscorer Stephen Humphrys came close with a deflected drive while Godo looked on.
United had possession after halftime but were close to getting fined for falling unconscious during a Wigan throw-in. Aasgaard evaded Evans to the halfway line before delivering a pinpoint pass to Godo. Godo was positioned precisely on the penalty spot and unchallenged by the United defense. Possibly taken aback by the simplicity of the opportunity, the winger miskicked his volley significantly off target.
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Rashford’s Impact in Stalemate Break
When Wigan mounted an uncommon break, the impressive Mainoo forced Tickle into a low save from 20 yards. He also made a crucial interception to halt Godo’s surge into the United area. A good chance by McTominay was deflected, and Dalot nearly scored as United sought a second. The discontent of the away supporters regarding Rashford’s relaxed demeanor was conspicuous, and the stalemate remained in some equilibrium fashion.
Despite this, the England international provided a crucial contribution to United’s second goal as part of a decisive response. Rashford surpassed Clare to the by-line, delivering a deft pass to Fernandes after losing possession of the ball or firing it into a Wigan defender. Liam Shaw extended a leg to intercept Marcus Rashford’s pass; the United captain was invited to the ground with only a light contact of the toes. To the displeasure of most of the DW Stadium, referee Anthony Taylor hesitated before pointing to the spot. Fernandes disregarded the jeers to send Tickle in the incorrect direction with an incredibly assured penalty.
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