During Manchester United’s FA Cup third round clаsh against Wigan Athletic, Bruno Fernandes scored a controversial penalty to extend his team’s lead.
In the 72nd minute of the game, Fernandes was awarded a spot-kιck after being brushed on the toe by Wigan’s Liam Shaw.
Despite the minimal contact, Fernandes went down theatrically, surprising many, and the referee, Anthony Taylor, pointed to the penalty spot. Wigan players protested the decision, but without VAR, the referee’s ruling stood. Fernandes subsequently slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, as Wigan’s goalkeeper, Sam Tickle, dived in the opposite direction.
Social media reacted strongly to the incident, with fans criticizing Fernandes for diving against a team from a lower division.
Nevertheless, Manchester United secured victory with goals from Diogo Dalot and Fernandes, who scored his first goal of 2024. Manchester United will now face either Newport County or Eastleigh in the next round of the FA Cup. After the match, manager Erik ten Hag spoke about the importance of winning in the FA Cup and expressed optimism following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent takeover of the club.
Man City set for trip to Tottenham as Manchester United beаt Wigan to reach FA Cup fourth round
In an exciting fourth round showdown, the current FA Cup champions, Manchester City, will travel to London to face Tottenham Hotspur.
This match is just one of the several intriguing all-Premier League encounters, as Chelsea is set to host Unai Emery’s high-performing Aston Villa, and Newcastle will make the journey to Fulham.
As for the Premier League leaders, Liverpool, they will welcome either Norwich or Bristol Rovers to Anfield, while Manchester United, who emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Monday night, will face the winner of the Newport County or Eastleigh match.
Among the other captivating fixtures, Blackburn Rovers, who impressively defeated Cambridge 5-2, will take on the beloved Wrexham team, known for their connections to Hollywood. Additionally, Watford will host Southampton in an all-Championship clаsh.
Maidstone United, a team from the National League South, will be preparing for an exciting trip to face Ipswich, who currently hold the second position in the Championship.