Man Utd ratings: Mainoo enhances growing reputation but Rashford and Hojlund fail to take chances yet again

11 months ago 85

DIOGO DALOT and Bruno Fernandes booked Manchester United’s place in the FA Cup fourth-round on another mixed night for boss Erik ten Hag.

Fernandes and 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo shone as the Red Devils won 2-0 at League One Wigan – but Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford again failed to convince amid some poor finishing.

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Kobbie Mainoo impressed in the absence of Christian Eriksen[/caption]
AP
Fit-again striker Rasmus Hojlund failed to find a way through[/caption]
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag gives pointers as Wigan chief Shaun Maloney looks onPA

Rashford, however teed up Dalot to curve United’s 22nd-minute opener.

And Fernandes won a soft penalty that he himself tucked home for a long overdue second goal on 74 minutes.

Scott McTominay and Hojlund had come into a strong United side as the only two changes from last time out, a 2-1 Premier League loss at Nottingham Forest on December 30.

And here’s how Ten Hag’s Red Devils rated at the DW Stadium.

ANDRE ONANA – 6

Stayed back from international duty for a couple of games and made a brilliant early save to deny Aasgard. Otherwise a quiet night for the Cameroon as Wigan struggled to find the target.

AARON WAN BISSAKA – 6

– United want him to sign a new deal after triggering his 12 month option – and showed his quality on the couple of occasions Wigan got away down his flank. Linked up well with Garnacho.

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Reuters
Diogo Dalot curled Man Utd in front midway through the first half[/caption]

RAPHAEL VARANE – 7

– Looks to be on his way out of United but still looks a class act when he plays. Needed lengthy treatment for a facial injury but carried on and helped United see the game out.

JONNY EVANS – 7

Veteran defender has played in plenty of games like this over the years and stood firm on the few occasions when Wigan had their moments. A shrewd move from United to sign him on.

DIOGO DALOT – 8

Lost his man early on which could have been costly but made amends. Curled in a beauty from the edge of the box to give United a deserved lead. Another key goal for the full-back after his winner at Sheffield United.

SCOTT McTOMINAY – 7

Slid an early shot wide of the post when he should have scored and lofted one over in the second half. Helped United take control of the game and worked well with Mainoo.

KOBBIE MAINOO – 8

Given a chance due to Eriksen’s illness and made the most of it. enjoyed playing alongside his fellow academy product McTominay. Could have capped his bright performance with a goal.

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7

– Cut in from the right and thumped a vicious left footer that bounced off the top of the bar. Caused Wigan problems down his flank before being replaced by Pellistri late on.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 8

The skipper made the tie safe as he won and converted a penalty to finally give his team some breathing space. The Portuguese showed his class as the game wore on with some delightful touches.

MARCUS RASHFORD – 5

Would have had the match-ball if he’d been in any kind of form. Denied by Tickle on a couple of occasions – one with the help of the post. Nice lay off to Dalot for the opener but looks off it.

RASMUS HOJLUND – 5

Back after illness kept and must have been wondering how he didn’t get on the scoresheet in the first half. Wasted a bag full of chances. A great chance to boost his confidence missed.

"It's clever."

Was it right to award Man Utd a penalty? #ITVFootball | #WIGMUN pic.twitter.com/NIDXtL9NEw

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 8, 2024
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Red Devils’ scorers Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot celebrate[/caption]

SUBS

Kambwala for Dalot, came on when the game was already won.  92, 5

Pellistri for Garnacho – no chance to make much of an impact 87, 5

Mejbri for Rashford, late run out 90

Forson for Hojlund – nice for him to get a few mins, 90 

Getty
Fernandes tucked home a hotly-disputed penalty to make it 2-0[/caption]

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