Dalot, Fernandes fire Manchester United to FA Cup win

Manchester United secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Wigan in the FA Cup third round clash. 

The Red Devils, under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, eased the pressure mounting on them with an impressive performance at the DW Stadium on Monday.

While the focus may have been on Manchester United's FA Cup triumph, across the globe, Juventus celebrated a noteworthy win against Salernitana. However, the spotlight swiftly shifted to the FA Cup action where Diogo Dalot's first-half strike and a contentious penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes sealed United's win.

The match saw United dominating proceedings, with Dalot's skillful strike finding the back of the net after a precise assist from Marcus Rashford. Despite several missed opportunities, United's attacking flair was evident throughout the game. Rasmus Hojlund's powerful header rattled the crossbar, and Alejandro Garnacho's attempt also met a similar fate, hitting the woodwork.

While Wigan attempted to challenge the visitors, they struggled to create significant threats. Andre Onana, guarding United's goal, was tested early in the game but maintained his composure. As the match progressed, United tightened their grip, controlling the tempo and creating multiple chances.

The pivotal moment arrived when Fernandes capitalised on a contentious penalty decision, converting it calmly to secure United's passage into the next round. Despite Wigan's disappointment, United's resilience and clinical finishing ensured they clinched the victory.

Manager Erik ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting the importance of securing the win in the knockout tournament. He stressed the need to remain focused and praised the team's ability to maintain their composure throughout the game.

United's triumph in the FA Cup represents a crucial opportunity to salvage their season with a shot at silverware, providing a beacon of hope amid their struggles in the Premier League and European competitions. As they look ahead, the team aims to carry this positive momentum into their upcoming Premier League fixture against Tottenham, seeking to bridge the gap and contend for a coveted top-four finish.