Three starlets’ involvement holds key to cup success versus Wigan for Manchester United
Manchester United and Wigan square off in the final game of the third round of the FA Cup tonight.
The Red Devils will be looking to go past their Lancashire rivals without getting into too much trouble and make it to the cup’s fourth round without incident.
Both teams will be trying to start the new year as strongly as possible, as neither enters the game in any kind of shape.
Wigan’s standard formation is 4-2-3-1. They’ll try to play strong defense and attack United on the counter, just like Nottingham Forest did in the second half of the previous game.
Here is what Erik ten Hag’s need to do to show their superiority over the League One side.
Defenders need to be ready for a physical battle
Wigan relies on physically intimidating strikers who are all over six foot (182 cm), as is customary in the lower leagues. Tall, powerful strikers Josh Magennis, Charlie Wyke, and top scorer Stephen Humphrys will keep whatever United plays at center defense on their toes all evening.
It is imperative to reiterate that United does not always enjoy a physical confrontation, and Harry Maguire’s inability to play this game is a loss because he would be right in his element.
A special mention should also go to Magennis, the Northern Ireland international, who puts in a lot of effort and has played 75 international matches.
Luckily, his international teammate, Jonny Evans, should know his game better than anyone and alongside Raphael Varane, should deal with the threat.
United need to dominate the midfield
The Red Devils will need to keep the ball for a long time but not allow themselves to get turned over on the counterattack like they have so many times this season. Such is the strength of the English footballing pyramid, a League One team can still devastate a Premier League side if they give them space to run into. Especially when the team is one as vulnerable as United.
The introduction of Scott McTominay alongside Christian Eriksen simply did not work against Forest and it is essential that Ten Hag chooses midfielders with better discipline and craft on the ball. Kobbie Mainoo is a key player to maintain patience with the ball but also hold his defensive shape.
It was a testament to how good the youngster is that when he was subbed off for tactical reasons against Nottingham Forest, all midfield control was lost.
Wingers need to get Hojlund in the game
After scoring his first Premier League goal on Boxing Day, the Dane was robbed off a chance to build on the momentum, as he was ruled out with through illness against Forest.
Playing against weaker opposition is a great chance for the youngster to find his goal scoring boots again but he can only do this if the ball is passed to him.They all need to support the Danish international, whether it’s Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, or Amad Diallo. Given that he is the most naturally creative of the four and will attempt to make the lethal pass when the others might prefer to shoot more often than not, Amad would seem to be a wise pick to play.
Man united HC
A League One defense should have no trouble stopping Hojlund because of his quickness and mobility, therefore it’s critical that the ball find him frequently. All told, safe passage to the FA Cup’s fourth round should be guaranteed if Erik ten Hag can persuade his troops to execute all three of these tactical directives.
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