In a match that saw Man Utd dominate possession and create numerous chances, Wigan proved to be no match for the visiting team. Ten Hag’s squad took control of the game from the start, maintaining 67% ball possession and launching an impressive 33 shots, with 14 of them on target. On the other hand, Wigan struggled to maintain possession, having only 33% of the ball and managing just 9 shots, with only 2 on target.
Man Utd wasted no time in asserting their attacking prowess, quickly gaining the upper hand and creating scoring opportunities. In the 22nd minute, Dalot unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, finding the right corner of the net and opening the scoring for Man Utd. With the lead secured, the visiting team played with confidence and control for the rest of the match.
In the 72nd minute, Man Utd was awarded a penalty after Fernandes was fouled in Wigan’s penalty area. The Wigan players vehemently protested, claiming that the Man Utd captain had dived to earn the penalty. However, with no VAR in place, the referee’s decision stood unchanged. Fernandes stepped up to take the penalty and successfully converted, doubling Man Utd’s lead. The match ended with a 2-0 victory for Man Utd, securing their place in the next round.
Despite the win, Ten Hag’s team left the fans wanting more. The match at DW Stadium highlighted the wastefulness of Man Utd’s attacking trio, Rashford, Garnacho, and Hojlund, who squandered several scoring opportunities. Rashford alone had 8 shots, while Garnacho and Hojlund had 4 shots each. Their collective shots accounted for nearly half of Man Utd’s total, yet they failed to find the back of the net.
Although Wigan managed 9 shots, they posed little threat to Man Utd’s defense. The home team struggled to create any significant chances to turn the tide in their favor. Despite Man Utd’s missed opportunities, it was evident that Wigan lacked the ability to stage a comeback and defeat their opponent. The final result reflected Man Utd’s dominance, even if they failed to secure a more convincing victory.