Here’s how our writers think United should start.
Samuel Luckhurst
Ten Hag will start Onana and United’s efforts to keep him for as long as possible do not reflect well on manager or either of his goalkeeper signings. Altay Bayindir may as well start against a League One side as there is a chance Onana will not be in Manchester for the Tottenham game.
Luke Shaw is seemingly still out, so it will have to be the same back four as against Forest. The illogical decision to hook Kobbie Mainoo at half-time nine days ago backfired and he has to continue with Christian Eriksen as they are the most technically-minded midfielders available for a game United are certain to have the majority of the ball in.
Antony cannot start. Not tonight or ever again for United, possibly. Rasmus Hojlund has to be the obvious replacement and given Marcus Rashford scored against Forest, he needs another start to try and build on that.
Tyrone Marshall
There’s no point keeping Onana back and not playing him, so he starts in goal even though it made sense to give Bayindir his debut in a game like this. Elsewhere, it has to be a strong team. This is United’s last chance of a trophy and a defeat just cannot even be considered, especially with only one Premier League game left in January.
That means the same defence. Shaw would play if fit but he’s minor issue is set to keep him out for a third game in a row, in another fairly vague injury bulletin from Ten Hag. It’s too soon for Martinez to be starting games.
Mainoo came off at half-time at Forest but that was a tactical blunder from Ten Hag and he has to start here, with Eriksen and Fernandes in front of him. The return of Hojlund will be welcome and allow Garnacho to have another go on the right, with Rashford on the left.
Steven Railston
United have just two games in January and the FA Cup is the only remaining option for a trophy this season, so Ten Hag must name a strong side here.
Having said that, it makes sense to give Kambwala another chance alongside Jonny Evans, who were solid together against West Ham last month. Wan-Bissaka and Shaw should play in the full-back positions – if Shaw is available.
Mainoo, Eriksen and Hannibal would be the preferred three in midfield, while Garnacho, Hojlund and Rashford should cause plenty of problems in attack against a team that is struggling in League One.
Although United are not a prolific side, they should be targeting a 3-0/4-0/5-0 win considering Wigan’s standard.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
