Why Christian Eriksen, Antony & Amad missed Wigan v Man Utd

Christian Eriksen, Antony and Amad were surprise omissions from the Manchester United squad for Monday night’s trip to Wigan Athletic.

The Red Devils clash at the DW Stadium is the final game of the 2023/24 third round, with the draw for the fourth round staged before the game.

United named a similar starting XI at Wigan from the one which lost to Nottingham Forest last time out in the Premier League. Eriksen and Antony were the only two changes from that game, with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund coming into the side in their place.

Antony missed the FA Cup tie due to a minor injury which is not believed to be serious, while Eriksen and Amad were absent due to illness. For the latter, his lack of involvement will be seen as a missed opportunity, especially with Antony out. The Ivory Coast international played his first minutes of the season at Forest and had some bright moments.

Instead, it was a front three of Alejandro Garnacho, Hojlund and Marcus Rashford that started, the same attacking trio that played in the Boxing Day win over Aston Villa. McTominay was joined in midfield by Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes against Wigan.

In defence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot were selected, ahead of Andre Onana, who delayed his departure to the Africa Cup of Nations to feature in the game.

Meanwhile, it was a youthful bench for the Red Devils, with Rhys Bennett, Omari Forson and Joe Hugill not playing a senior game for the club. They were joined by Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Willy Kambwala, Hannibal, Shola Shoretire and Facundo Pellistri.