Manchester United reached the FA Cup fourth round after a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletics, thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes on Monday.
It was a relief for Erik ten Hag's side, as they avoided an eighth defeat in 14 away matches in all competitions since last season's FA Cup final, which they lost to neighbors Manchester City. The 12-time FA Cup winners will next visit the winners of the third round replay between Newport County and Eastleigh F.C.
Dalot scored in the 22nd minute at Wigan when Marcus Rashford had a shot blocked before laying the ball off to the Portuguese, who took a touch before finding the bottom corner of the net from just outside the 18-yard box. Fernandes doubled United's lead in the 74th with a penalty after Liam Shaw caught the captain's foot in the box.
Manchester United players celebrate during their FA Cup third-round clash against Wigan Athletics in Wigan, UK, January 8, 2024. /CFP
United had 33 shots, 14 on target, compared to Wigan's nine. Rashford had eight attempts, four on target.
League One side 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."
Meanwhile, other fixtures of the FA Cup fourth round are unveiled, with matches scheduled to be played over the weekend of January 27 to 28. Holders Manchester City will face a tricky trip to Tottenham Hotspur, while in-form Aston Villa have been drawn to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Third-placed champions City are a point above Spurs with a game in hand in the Premier League table, while Villa are flying high in second spot with Chelsea languishing 10th.
Fulham welcome Newcastle United and Sheffield United host Brighton & Hove Albion in other all-Premier League ties. League leaders Liverpool, who knocked Arsenal out in the third round, will host the winners of the replay between Norwich City and Bristol Rovers.
Complete draw:
Watford vs. Southampton
Blackburn Rovers vs. Wrexham
Bournemouth vs. Swansea City
West Bromwich Albion vs. Brentford/Wolverhampton Wanderers
West Ham United/Bristol City vs. Nottingham Forest/Blackpool
Leicester City vs. Hull City/Birmingham City
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Coventry City
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa
Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United
Liverpool vs. Norwich City/Bristol Rovers
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City
Leeds United vs. Plymouth Argyle
Crystal Palace/Everton vs. Luton Town/Bolton Wanderers
Newport Country/Eastleigh vs. Manchester United
Sheffield United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Fulham vs. Newcastle United
(With input from Reuters)