Manchester United still need to find a solution to key issue

Manchester United enjoyed a comfortable FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic on Monday night where the only discomfort for the travelling 7,000 fans was the cold weather.

This was a game Erik ten Hag had fired warning shots about given the sellout crowd and the form the Latics have in causing cup upsets. Wigan boss Shaun Maloney scored the goal in April 2012 that gave Wigan their sole victory over United while also doing Manchester City team a favour in the title race.

The situation was clear for Ten Hag and United. Up against a team 18th in League One they had to win. And win they did thanks to a Diogo Dalot opener and a late Bruno Fernandes penalty. There were certainly positives to take but one familiar problem again reared its head.

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United may have scored two but it was the chances they passed up which was most noteworthy. Rasmus Hojlund, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford all threatened the Wigan goal without success.

Hojlund, who is struggling for goals domestically, again had an off night. He saw a header flash over the bar, shot straight at the keeper when well placed and then couldn't convert a rebound from close range.

United have scored just nine away goals in the Premier League this season and were once again wasteful on Monday. McTominay is another player who will wonder how he didn't score with a deflected effort dropping wide and a cross coming off his shoulder.

United did get the job done but the struggles in front of goal continued for United and it has left Ten Hag with more questions than answers. Sunday’s fixture against Spurs will offer a stern