Dalot and Fernandes on target as United cruise past Wigan

Manchester United's Portuguese pair of Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes were on target as the Premier League side dispatched Wigan Athletic.

Erik ten Hag fielded a strong starting eleven for the Red Devils' short trip to Wigan but it was the home side who almost took the lead within the first few minutes

Sean Clare and Martial Godo linked up well on the right with a ball whipped into Thelo Aasgaard who had an effort from close range smothered by André Onana.

After that, it was United who controlled much of the game with Diogo Dalot giving United the lead with just over 20 minutes gone in the game. Marcus Rashford saw one of his shots blocked and on the rebound laid the ball off to Dalot who curled an effort into the net from the outside of the area.

It could have been all over in the first half with Rasmus Højlund guilty of missing a trio of chances – including a headed effort that thundered off the bar – while Alejandro Garnacho also saw his fierce strike rattle the upright. 

Shaun Maloney's side gave it their all and produced some exciting counterattacks in the second half but the game was essentially over midway through the second half thanks to Bruno Fernandes.

The midfielder was caught by the trailing ankle of Liam Shaw as he cut inside and made sure that referee Andrew Taylor took note.

Wigan might have been annoyed by the decision but there was certainly contact by the defender with Fernandes making no mistake from the penalty spot. The United captain sent goalkeeper Sam Tickle the wrong way to secure the victory for the Premier League outfit.

The Latics can take heart in their overall performance and some bright moments throughout the 90 minutes but in truth United were by far the better team.

That result means that Manchester United will face either Newport County or Eastleigh in a first-ever meeting in the next round.

xG: Wigan Athletic (1.02) 0-2 (4.26) Manchester United

 

 

 

 

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