Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag sends players four-word warning as January transfer teased | Football | Sport
United travelled to the DW Stadium looking to avoid a nightmare start to 2024 that would’ve been fitting for the disastrous season Ten Hag has endured so far.
But the Red Devils cruised into the fourth round, where an eye-catching trip to League Two Newport County or National League Eastleigh awaits.
Dalot cashed in on United’s dominance in the 22nd minute, curling a delightful effort around Sam Tickle to intensify the 7,000 away supporters’ relentless song.
United huffed and puffed as they missed chances galore, failing to put the League Two strugglers to the sword. Then, Fernandes was felled in the penalty box on 74 minutes. And then the visitors’ captain scored.
It could’ve been a more uncomfortable night for Ten Hag’s side, though, due to an issue that has thwarted them all season.
In the opening few minutes of the game, Wigan profited from a gaping void in the midfield before Andre Onana was forced into one of two saves he had to make on the night.
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And while Ten Hag was content with his side’s performance at the start of their cup run, he made it clear he wasn’t satisfied with conceding the early chance that Wigan perhaps should’ve taken.
“I was very pleased with the first-half performance, apart from the first minutes of the game when we conceded the chance.
“Unnecessary, it can’t happen,” Ten Hag told BeIN Sports after full-time.
“But overall, the first half was very good. I think we had some great attacks [and] created five, six clear chances. We only scored one, [though], and I think we should’ve been 2-0 or 3-0 up by half-time.”
United were without 13 senior players due to injury, illness or off-field matters at Wigan. They are expected to profit from a handful of returns this month.
But fans are clamouring for transfer activity before the January deadline, particularly in attack, with Jadon Sancho set to leave on loan and Anthony Martial also the subject of exit talk.
United’s latest wasteful attacking display emphasised the need for reinforcements, and, in his post-match press conference, Ten Hag hinted they could arrive.
He said: “We consider everything, the best interest of the player and for us, our team. We will see how it progresses during the window.”