Three reasons Erik ten Hag's team selection for Manchester United vs Wigan should be simple

Every year it seems as though we debate the importance of the FA Cup.

When you're a club the size of Manchester United, winning the FA Cup - no matter how much history the competition holds - will never be a top priority at the beginning of the season. As much as the competition has provided some incredible memories for United fans down the years, dining at Europe's top table by competing in the Champions League and the riches it brings will always be the priority.

However, while winning the FA Cup may not seem like a top priority at the start of the season, that's not to say it can't become one as the months pass by. Domestic football's most famous competition has suddenly become very important to United this season and MEN Sport has taken a look at three reasons why Erik ten Hag should be looking to field a strong side against Wigan on Monday.

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When the draw was made for the Champions League group stages at the beginning of the season, few would have predicted how difficult United would have found it. The defeats to Bayern Munich were almost expected considering how strong the Bavarian side are.

But losing to both Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen was practically unforgivable. If they were to follow their dismal display in Europe up with a defeat to a third tier side there genuinely may be no going back for Erik ten Hag.

Playing a full-strength side should alleviate this risk and give the players a much-needed boost.

We have already mentioned United's early exit from the Champions League but after dropping out of the Carabao Cup with a whimper, why not focus on the FA Cup? Hopes of winning the Premier League are