6 talking points as Man Utd breeze through in FA Cup to book David v Goliath tie
Manchester United booked a David versus Goliath tie with either Eastleigh or Newport County after dispatching Wigan Athletic 2-0 in the FA Cup third round.
Diogo Dalot gave Erik ten Hag's strong Red Devils side an early lead with a sumptuous strike from the edge of the penalty area before Rasmus Hojlund and his team-mates missed a slew of chances. Bruno Fernandes then closed out the contest with a second-half penalty, although it didn't come without controversy, as League One Wigan and manager Shaun Maloney were left feeling aggrieved. Both sides already knew their potential opponents in the fourth round, with the draw being made pre-match.
Here are six talking points from the DW Stadium.
1. Ten Hag's intent
Much like Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp did in their clash at the Emirates on Sunday, Erik ten Hag signalled his intent for the FA Cup by selecting his strongest side. Even Altay Bayindir, the Turkish goalkeeper who United signed in the summer and who still hasn't made his debut, was made to watch from the bench on a misty night in Wigan, sitting opposite 8,000 Red Devils supporters.
Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund were all in, as well as Diogo Dalot, who provided the cool finish to put United 1-0 up. Rashford set him following a failed effort of his own, with Dalot superbly curling a shot into Sam Tickle's bottom right-hand corner.
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Diogo Dalot put a strong Manchester United side into the lead (Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)2. Mature Mainoo
Even with all of the superstars on show, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo looked the most relaxed man on the pitch at the heart of United's midfield. Given the responsibility of protecting their defence by Ten Hag, the Stockport-born sensation pulled the strings effortlessly in midfield, while also putting in his fair share of graft and gritty tackles.
Looking mature beyond his years, you'd have expected one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co's priorities to be giving him a new deal. However, the Red Devils already handed him a new four-year contract in February last year, one which reportedly took his wages from £10,000 per week to £20,000 after his 10 senior appearances. Mainoo would've marked his 12th with a goal in the second half if not for Tickle's smart save down to his right, but perhaps his biggest contribution was snuffing out a 66th-minute counter attack.
Kobbie Mainoo was excellent throughout the tie (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)3. Hojlund's howlers
Hojlund returned from illness to start this tie and in the first half did his best Kai Havertz impression. The 20-year-old striker, who even at £72million deserves far more time to establish himself as United's first-choice striker than six months, broke his Premier League duck on Boxing Day and he was looking to bag again at the DW Stadium.
Unfortunately for the Dane, Tickle - only 21 himself - stood in his way at the first attempt, then the crossbar, and then... Well, it was a sitter. After Rashford fired a shot towards Tickle and the Latics' shot-stopper palmed the ball aside, it fell to Hojlund in front of an empty net, but he skewed his effort wide.
Alongside Scott McTominay and Rashford's misses, Hojlund's failings in front of goal were a large reason why United only went into the break leading 1-0. Roy Keane wasn't so forgiving at half-time, saying on ITV: "I'd be furious with him... Stop messing about and put the ball in the back of the net." The scoreline gave Wigan hope.
Your turn! Will Rasmus Hojlund come good at Manchester United? Join the debate in the comments section.
Rasmus Hojlund missed three chances in the first half (Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)4. Fernandes slots home controversial penalty
Even a routine United win can't come without debate these days. Just as the Red Devils need to turn the screw as the closing stages dawned, Fernandes went flying over after a smidge of contact from sliding Wigan midfielder Liam Shaw.
The Latics were stunned to see Anthony Taylor point to the spot and were even more furious when Fernandes tucked it away, making it 2-0. On commentary, Ally McCoist refused to believe that enough contact had been made for United's captain to go down.
Bruno Fernandes converted what many deemed to be a soft penalty (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)5. INEOS presence increases
Sir Dave Brailsford appeared at his third successive United match and this time was sat next to INEOS' CEO of sport, Jean-Claude Blanc. Like Brailsford, the ex-Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain chief is expected to play a significant role in Ratcliffe's footballing reshuffle at Old Trafford.
It's been reported that the British billionaire, soon to officially own a 25 per cent stake in the club, spoke in person to Red Devils staff this week and made it clear that his group's priority is to deliver success on the pitch. Getting through to the next round is a start.
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6. Destination unknown
It's a trip to south Wales or the south of England for United in the fourth round, as they'll travel to the winner of the replay between League Two Newport County and fifth-tier Eastleigh. Whichever side comes out on top either Tuesday or Wednesday next week, it'll be a first ever clash with the Red Devils.
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