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Bastian Schweinsteiger, Blog, Chris Smalling, FA Cup, Football, Henrick Mkhitaryan, Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini, News, Old Trafford, Soccer, Wigan Athletic
Man United eased to a victory against Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Wigan were solid at the beginning of the game and they frustrated United. They started well and Callum Connelly and Max Power both had efforts, which Sergio Romero saved. But, in the 44th minute, Marouane Fellaini jumped above Connelly to head home from Bastian Schweinsteiger’s cross. This made it a much harder task for Wigan.
In the second half, Romero had to make another save, from David Perkins. But, in the 57th minute, Chris Smalling doubled the lead. He headed in from Anthony Martial’s cross. It was poor marking which allowed him to have the header.
United got a third when Schweinsteiger cleared a Wigan corner to Wayne Rooney on the halfway line, who layed it off to Henrick Mkhitaryan. He freed Martial, who gave it back to Mkhitaryan for a close range finish. Martial didn’t really do much when playing as a striker in the first half, but imposed himself more in the second half out wide, with two assists.
Schweinsteiger finished the scoring off in the 81st minute with an overhead kick from close range. Schweinsteiger was one of a few players who had a point to prove in this game. It was his first start for a year and he marked it with a goal and an assist. Luke Shaw was another who had point to prove, who was starting his first game since 30 November. Martial was starting and had a chance to show he has a long-term future at Old Trafford. It was even comfortable enough for Jose Mourinho to bring on Axel Tuanzebe and Joel Pereira for their debuts.
United have Blackburn away between the 17-20 February. Next up they are playing Hull at home in the Premier League on the 1 February. Hopefully they can continue their winning form.