Manchester United relieved manager Erik ten Hag’s burden by avoiding an FA Cup third round shock with a 2-0 victory over League One Wigan on Monday. 

Diogo Dalot’s first-half goal and Bruno Fernandes’ disputed penalty sealed United’s first away victory since November.

In Monday’s draw, the Red Devils were also given a favorable fourth round matchup against either non-league Eastleigh or League Two Newport County.

This competition represents United’s final chance at trophy this season and could provide a lifeline for Ten Hag, whose club is suffering in the Premier League and has already been knocked out of Europe.

“The FA Cup is all about winning, and it is knockout. “You want to finish the job,” Ten Hag explained. “That is what I said in the dressing room: ‘job done’.”

The visitors were rarely disturbed at the DW Stadium, with the exception of an early effort by Thelo Aasgaard that tested Andre Onana, who had stayed behind for two more United games before departing for Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

United gradually took control, with Sam Tickle making a superb stop to deny Marcus Rashford before Scott McTominay shot inches wide.

Rashford has shown signs of returning to form in recent weeks, and it was from the England international’s ball that Dalot curled into the far corner on 22 minutes.

Rasmus Hojlund’s header bounced off the crossbar, and Alejandro Garnacho’s speculative shot also hit the woodwork.

“In the first half, I believe we produced five or six excellent opportunities. “I think it was very good football,” Ten Hag said.

“We should have taken more, but if you don’t score you have to stay focused and I think we did that tonight.”

Wigan were irritated when Fernandes took advantage of Liam Shaw’s slight contact to score the second goal 16 minutes later.

Fernandes rubbed salt into the home team’s wounds by coolly dispatching the subsequent penalty to end any hope of a big killing.

Next up, United will look to carry some momentum into their two-week Premier League winter break when Tottenham visit Old Trafford this Sunday.

Ten Hag’s side must win to close a nine-point gap on the top four if they are to keep their hopes of returning to the Champions League next season.

And the Dutch coach believes there is a renewed sense of excitement surrounding the club following British businessman Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25% share.

“It’s an inspiration.” Everyone is optimistic. “There is a lot of work to be done,” Ten Hag stated.

“It is a journey, it is a project and now we have had to deal with some setbacks but we will keep alive, survive it and strike back.”