Manchester United eased past Wigan Athletic by scoring four goals in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford. Manager Jose Mourinho made nine changes to his starting XI and also gave two United youth players their debuts.
The Red Devils opened their account in the first half through Marouanne Fellaini who headed a cross in from Bastian Schweinsteiger who made his first start for the club in over a year. Chris Smalling added a second before goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Schweinsteiger sealed the game in the second half.
1.Luke Shaw's return a welcome sight
Left-back Luke Shaw made his first appearance for the club since November 30. The 21-year-old, although a bit rusty, looked decent on the ball and made surging runs forward down the left flank whenever opportunity presented. Mourinho has been shuffling Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian at the left-back position in Shaw's absence and his return was a welcome sight for both fans and manager.
2.Schweinsteiger deserves his chance
Bastian Schweinsteiger made his first start for United in 385 days. The former Bayern Munich man lacked match sharpness in the early moments of the game but gradually adapted to the pace and ended the game on a very high note with a goal and an assist to his name.
With Morgan Schneiderlin sold to Everton, Mourinho might still make good use of the German midfielder who looks hungrier than ever.
3.Tough luck for Warren Joyce
For almost 45 minutes, former Manchester United reserves team manager Warren Joyce must have been satisfied if not elated by his Wigan side who were trying their best to topple United's back four.
Wigan currently lie at 22nd on the Championship table and Joyce would be hoping that the Latics would take some of that first half performance back to the DW Stadium to face Sheffield Wednesday in their next game.
4.Anthony Martial seizes his opportunity
Anthony Martial has been the subject of several transfer rumours recently after Mourinho commented that the player needs to take his chance.
And the Frenchman did exactly what his manager asked him to do with a spirited performance,
The 21-year-old provided two assists for United's second and third goals and was a constant threat down the left flank.
5.United prove depth of squad
Mourinho made nine changes from his starting XI that lost to Hull City in the League Cup semi-final second leg and handed first team debuts to defender Axel Tuanzebe and goalkeeper Joel Castro Pereira. Top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovich was on the bench and Paul Pogba was rested.
With centre-back Eric Bailly returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and the injury list fast diminishing, United would be hoping for a full squad until the end of the season.
