Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes goals put Manchester United into FA Cup fourth round

LONDON – Manchester United eased the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag by “finishing the job” and ensuring there was no FA Cup third-round shock in a 2-0 win at League One side Wigan Athletic on Jan 8.

Diogo Dalot’s first-half strike and a controversial penalty from captain Bruno Fernandes secured the Red Devils’ first away win since November.

Ten Hag’s men were also handed a favourable fourth-round draw and will face either non-league Eastleigh or Newport County of League Two in the next stage.

This competition represents United’s final shot at silverware this season and could prove a lifeline for ten Hag, with his side struggling in the English Premier League and already dumped out of Europe.

“The FA Cup is all about winning, it is knockout. You want to finish the job,” said the United boss.

“That is what I said in the dressing room: ‘Job done’.”

The visitors were rarely troubled at the DW Stadium, bar an early effort from Thelo Aasgaard that tested goalkeeper Andre Onana, who had stayed behind for two more United matches before heading off for Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Marcus Rashford has shown hints in recent weeks that he may be rediscovering his form and it was the England international’s pass that Dalot curled into the far corner on 22 minutes.

United should have wrapped up the tie by half-time as Rasmus Hojlund thundered a header off the crossbar, before Alejandro Garnacho’s speculative effort also came back off the woodwork.

“In the first half, I think we created five or six very good chances. I think it was very good football,” added ten Hag.

“We should have taken more, but if you don’t score, you have to stay focused and I think we did that tonight.”

When the second goal did finally come 16 minutes from time, Wigan felt aggrieved as Fernandes made the most of minimal contact from Liam Shaw.

The Portuguese midfielder rubbed salt into the home side’s wounds as he then coolly dispatched the resulting penalty.

United will now aim to take some positive momentum into the Premier League’s staggered winter break when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford on Jan 14.

Ten Hag’s men desperately need a win to close a nine-point gap on the top four if they are to maintain aspirations of returning to the Champions League next season.

Third-tier Wigan beat Manchester City at Wembley to win the 2013 FA Cup in one of the competition’s major upsets. But they were outplayed by United despite their best efforts.

“Proud of my players,” Wigan manager Shaun Maloney said. “Difficult match, but a brilliant experience for our players.”

The draw for the fourth round was also made on Jan 8. City face a tricky trip to Tottenham, while in-form Aston Villa have been drawn to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Premier League leaders Liverpool, who

knocked Arsenal out in the third round,

received a more favourable draw.

The Reds will host the winners of the replay between Norwich City and Bristol Rovers. REUTERS, AFP