United View: United advance in the FA Cup amidst new ownership era.

Manchester United got the job done in their third-round tie against Wigan in the FA Cup on Monday night.

Their 2-0 win against League One opposition was neither a resounding victory nor was it another pitiful performance to lambast. If were looking on the bright side at least United didn’t cause their fans another headache.

Wigan sit 18th in League One and with all due respect didn’t provide much of a challenge for United. The Reds mustered 33 shots on goal and despite an early chance that called Andre Onana into action, they were rarely threatened at the back.

Even though United had plenty of shots, they were once again lacking the clinical touch in front of goal. There were big chances for Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojliund in the first half but neither could apply the finish. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford both struck the woodwork too.

Diogo Dalot did eventually find the breakthrough for United, curling one into the bottom corner from outside the area. From that moment it never felt like a cup upset was on the cards. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty fifteen minutes from time made sure of that, even though the decision to award the penalty was very soft.

Kobbie Mainoo was by far the standout once again, producing another mature performance in central midfield. Considering the amount of money United have spent recently, it's extraordinary that their best midfielder right now is an 18-year-old.

He wasn’t the only academy graduate in good form against Wigan as Garanacho was another bright spark for Erik ten Hag’s side. On United’s right wing, he was once more a threat and is significantly maturating this season.

After the game, Erik ten Hag was asked about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Manchester United. In response, he stated that it’s an ‘inspiration’ adding there have been setbacks but it’s also a project and that his side will ‘keep alive’. It’s yet to be seen whether he will be a part of that project.

The next four months are now crucial for the manager, a good run in the FA Cup and a resurgence in the league would do a great deal to convince the new owners that he is the right man for the job. Some of the new hierarchy was also present at Wigan, with Dave Brailsford and Jean Claude Blanc sitting next to United’s former Chief Executive David Gill.

What Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have planned at Old Trafford is uncertain, but they have at least given a positive first impression. Brailsford and Ratcliffe’s visit at Carrington last week was a welcome one considering the Glazers rarely ever make an appearance in Manchester.

For now, United will be hoping to have a more positive second half of their season. And with the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro returning to full training, maybe they can help turn things around at Old Trafford.

United next host Spurs in the Premier League and the manager has hinted that Luke Shaw and Christian Eriksen could be in contention for that game, as both missed the game against Wigan.

After that they face either Newport or Eastleigh in the fourth round of the FA Cup, the final game in a quiet January. Which could be a silver lining to ease the remaining injured squad back into full fitness.

Although it wasn’t a classic United FA Cup display, they thankfully through. Plus, with Arsenal already out and Manchester City drawing Spurs in the next round, a favourable run could see United Ten Hag return to Wembley for the fourth time as Manchester United manager.