A superb finish from outside the box and a late penalty sent Manchester United into the next round of the FA Cup, on a night when they squandered many far easier chances against third-tier Wigan.
Diogo Dalot opened the scoring midway through the first half with a silky effort from 20 yards out that punctured a series of misses by the visitors.
A quieter second period at DW Stadium was enough for the Red Devils to seal the win, after Bruno Fernandes rolled home a somewhat kind penalty.
Cheered on by a 7,000-strong away following, plus in reality those of a Newport and Eastleigh persuasion after the winner of their replay was drawn to face tonight's victor in the next round, United showed early signs of rustiness but soon kicked into gear.
Thelo Aasgaard was expertly denied by Andre Onana in the second minute but in truth the League One Latics struggled to gain a foothold thereafter.
Marcus Rashford impressed and forced a save before Dalot's 22nd-minute opener, following an enticing lay-up by the England winger, yet United failed to add to their lead until late in the tie.
Diogo Dalot takes aim and finds the back of the net for Man Utd 🎯#WIGMUN l | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/oMVpA1fI2E
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 8, 2024
Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle nearly spilled a Rashford effort over his line moments later before Rasmus Hojlund hit the bar with a point-blank header, which was quickly followed by bad misses from the Danish striker and Scott McTominay from close range.
Alejandro Garnacho hit the bar with a fierce whack from distance before the break.
After the restart, United lacked the pizzazz of their earlier attacks and lingered over their slim lead for too long, Kobbie Mainoo coming closest to a second for much of the half with a hit from 20 yards.
Wigan rarely threatened a leveller however, Martial Godo fluffing his control from a rare ball into the box, before the cup tie was killed with a moment of controversy.
The Latics were left fuming by Fernandes' tumble under thin contact from Liam Shaw as he cut back onto his left foot in the box. Referee Anthony Taylor, without VAR to fall back on, hesitated before awarding the spot-kick, which Fernandes rolled home to seal United's progression to round four.
