Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag warned Wigan fixture is 'must-win'

Manchester United have been warned their FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic is a 'must-win' ahead of Monday night’s third-round tie at the DW Stadium.

United have faced plenty of criticism throughout the first half of the season and will be hoping to begin 2024 on a more positive note. Erik ten Hag’s side have recorded one victory in their last six games across all competitions but have the chance to get back to winning ways against the Latics, who sit 18th in League One.

United sit eighth in the Premier League table and have been knocked out of European competition, falling well below pre-season expectations. The FA Cup offers the club a chance to salvage some success but former striker Dimitar Berbatov is concerned by United’s lack of form.

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“The trip to northwest neighbours Wigan is a potential banana skin,” he told Betfair. “If you don't go all in from the first whistle - pressing, counter-pressing, showing your intent, trying to get an early goal so you can calm your nerves - then you're going to have a tough game.

“United are so inconsistent and unpredictable, it's always up and down, up and down with them, and that's very dangerous. If they lose this game, then the critics will be gunning for them.

“For Ten Hag, this is a must-win game. It's more stress for the players if they lose and there will be more questions around the manager's future.”

Following what looked to be a redemptive comeback victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, United suffered another setback, courtesy of a 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. While Berbatov