Ten Hag on Onana, contract extensions, Sancho exit and the FA Cup
Wigan Athletic host Manchester United in the FA Cup third round with the prospect of another giant-killing result on the cards for the League One side. The Latics famously defeated Manchester City in the cup final in 2013 then again in the 2018 fifth round against a Pep Guardiola side featuring Sergio Aguero and David Silva.
Though they currently sit 17th in League One, Wigan have a decently strong side that can challenge the top contenders in the league on their day. Taking on Manchester United is another prospect entirely though manager Shaun Maloney has good memories of facing the Red Devils having scored the goal in Wigan’s only victory over the Old Trafford outfit back in 2012.
United, in contrast, will see this match as a slight bump on their way to the next round. With Erik ten Hag’s team out of Europa and struggling in the Premier League an FA Cup triumph would bring a huge boost in morale. The manager is expected to play a firmly strong line-up andwill be hoping for a stress free evening against a team two leagues below his own.
Follow all the action from the DW Stadium below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Wigan vs Manchester United
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, speaking to ITV: “Of course it was a disadvantage that Hojlund became ill after scoring against Villa. He has been on a good run in the Champions League. This is his debut in the FA Cup and he is motivated to score a goal.
“Everyone will be sharp, they have very high ambition. We are looking forward to the competition.”
Mike Jones8 January 2024 20:11
Wigan vs Manchester United
Wigan boss Shaun Maloney, speaking to ITV: “It’s probably the happiest I’ve ever been on the pitch. It was just pure joy. When I came to Wigan, I didn’t think about winning trophies.
“When you’re with Celtic, the pressure is relentless. I want to say I meant to put it in that exact area. The header was as good as you can get.
“If we have any chance tonight then we’re going to need big moments from our defenders and goalkeeper. We’ve got some talent in the final third, we’re going to need it tonight.”
Mike Jones8 January 2024 20:05
Maguire on facing lower league opposition
Harry Maguire says playing against lower league teams in the FA Cup is always ‘great’ but the focus on winning remains the same for Manchester United.
“All these cup games when you go to the lower league teams are very good,” Maguire claimed. “They’re great atmospheres and great grounds to play in. Tranmere was as well.
“The first goal was really important to make sure we quietened the crowd and it’ll be the same on Monday night against Wigan.
“I know the atmosphere at Wigan can be good, so we’ve got to make sure we quieten the crowd and go there and be focused and make sure we get the win.”
Mike Jones8 January 2024 20:00
Wigan vs Manchester United
Wigan have won their last five FA Cup games played on a Monday, most recently a 1-0 win over Manchester City in February 2018.
Mike Jones8 January 2024 19:55
Wigan vs Manchester United
Manchester United have been eliminated from just two of their last 38 FA Cup third round ties, with both defeats in that run coming in home games (0-1 vs Leeds in 2010 and 1-2 vs Swansea in 2014).
Mike Jones8 January 2024 19:50
Wigan vs Manchester United
(PA)
(Action Images via Reuters)
Mike Jones8 January 2024 19:45
Wigan vs Manchester United
Since the start of the 2013/14 campaign (their first after relegation from the Premier League) Wigan have progressed from more FA Cups ties against top-flight opponents than any other side from outside the Premier League (6).
Mike Jones8 January 2024 19:45
Why Manchester United clash signals the start of Wigan’s next chapter
Wigan are an embodiment of the magic of the FA Cup. A local town team from a lower league that, on the right occasion, punches above their weight to take out a giant – usually Manchester City.
Their greatest triumph came in 2013. Roberto Martinez’s side took on City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, edging the game 1-0 thanks to a Ben Watson header in stoppage time that won them the trophy for the very first time.
The following year, with Uwe Rosler now in charge, Wigan journeyed to the Etihad Stadium for the quarter-final and defeated City 2-1. Their trophy defence later ended in a penalty shootout against Arsenal in the final four.
The 2018 edition of the cup saw the Latics face City again and they ended the Premier League side’s pursuit of a quadruple by beating Pep Guardiola’s team, which featured Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne as a substitute, 1-0 at the DW Stadium after Will Grigg nipped in behind Kyle Walker for a cool finish past Claudio Bravo.
Mike Jones8 January 2024 19:40
Wigan vs Manchester United
Manchester United have won 18 of their 19 meetings against Wigan in all competitions with the exception being a 1-0 away loss in the Premier League in April 2012 when current Latics manager Shaun Maloney scored the winning goal.
Mike Jones8 January 2024 19:35
Wigan vs Manchester United
This is just the second FA Cup meeting between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United, with the Red Devils winning 4-0 in the fourth round in 2016/17.
Mike Jones8 January 2024 19:30