Profligate Man Utd into FA Cup fourth round as Ineos chiefs watch from Wigan stands
Every fixture must feel like a trial for Erik ten Hag at present and an icy night in Wigan for an FA Cup tie felt like one where Manchester United might just slip up.
But with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deputies – Sir Dave Brailsford and the expected new chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc – looking on conspicuously from the front row of the directors’ box Ten Hag gained the vital victory he craved. The victory he needed.
Last week Ten Hag spoke about being on the “same page” as Ratcliffe, whose £1.03 billion deal to buy 29 per cent of United and gain sporting control is subject to Premier League approval, but that page would have been in danger of being ripped up had he exited this competition.
Ten Hag is certainly not in imminent danger of losing his job but if he wants to be in Ratcliffe’s long-term plans he needs more wins on the pitch to add to any of it and remaining in the hunt for the only trophy United can claim this season was imperative.
The prize of a fourth-round tie, away to either non-League Eastleigh or League Two Newport County, means United should progress further. They will certainly have looked on in relief at the potentially six all-Premier League match-ups the draw brought – not least Tottenham Hotspur at home to Manchester City.
Ten Hag is under intense scrutiny and a run of just one win, and four losses, in six matches before this tie was extremely badly timed given the Ratcliffe review that is taking place. The manager has eyes on him like never before with former United chief executive David Gill, increasingly influential again it appears, among the entourage.
The criticism here will be that for all their dominance United did not gain the emphatic scoreline they should have done and allowed a young Wigan side to keep the contest alive for far too long. No one would doubt United’s intent but their application and finishing was far more questionable with Rasmus Hojlund again wasteful and enduring a torrid time.
Another chance goes begging for Rasmus Højlund 😫
How's he not hit the target there⁉️#EmiratesFACup | #WIGMUN pic.twitter.com/Hshg7wOVL3— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 8, 2024
In the end United were indebted to a full-back in Diogo Dalot and a midfielder in Bruno Fernandes – scoring a ‘soft’ penalty – for their goals and while overall this was a positive performance and result there is that concern. This is United, after all.
Diogo Dalot takes aim and finds the back of the net for Man Utd 🎯#WIGMUN l | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/oMVpA1fI2E
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 8, 2024
Hojlund has to be chief among the worries. “I’d be fuming with him,” fumed the former United captain turned pundit Roy Keane and he fumed some more. “He’s missing chances, we can say it’s unlucky all day. They’re great opportunities, put the ball in the back of the net, stop messing about.”
Keane has a point. United have invested heavily – up to £72 million – in the 20-year-old Dane and while he undoubtedly has the potential does he possess the killer instinct be the No 9? Yes, he was unlucky with a diving header that clipped the top of the cross-bar but he was on his heels and failed to anticipate when an easy rebound fell his way. He had to score. Instead the ball struck him and trickled wide.
And that is a big problem for United. Their forward line is woefully misfiring. At times Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho terrorised the Wigan defence – the defence of a team 18th in League One it should not be forgotten – but neither scored.
Both wide players effectively struck the goal-frame – Garnacho was unfortunate with a powerful shot that shook the crossbar while goalkeeper Sam Tickle fumbled a Rashford effort against the post – but neither found the net.
The Ineos crew – Brailsford and Blanc – will want to know why Ten Hag is getting such a poor return from his expensive and talented forward line with Antony, absent here through injury, and Anthony Martial to be added to that underwhelming roster. They have just 16 goals between five of them in all competitions this season which is extraordinary.
Overall there were 33 attempts at goal with 14 on target and yet only two goals scored against Wigan with Ten Hag not risking an upset by fielding his strongest available team.
Wins the pen ✅
Scores the pen ✅
Bruno Fernandes puts Man Utd in control from the spot 👏#WIGMUN | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/cZxbRVCv6H— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 8, 2024
With 11 players out there is relief on the way as the United manager said he hoped to welcome back Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen and possibly Harry Maguire for Sunday’s Premier League home game against Tottenham.
The bonus for United? Beyond the result and the resolve, it was another assured display from 18-year-old midfielder Kobee Mainoo who was once again their best player.
There was a chill air of anticipation inside the DW Stadium which was sold out for the first time in a decade, bolstered by 7,500 United fans. “You know they will fight for their life because it’s the game of their life,” Ten Hag said of Wigan and maybe it would have been very different had Thelo Aasgaard taken a clear opening inside three minutes. Instead Andre Onana, who now heads to the Africa Cup of Nations, smothered his shot.
In fairness United dominated and struck the goal-frame three times as well as spurning a host of chances beyond their two goals. “It’s all about the win,” Ten Hag said and he was right. He knew precisely how important it was.
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United: As it happened . . .
10:41 PM GMT
Fourth round draw
was also done this evening.
Watford v Southampton
Blackburn v Wrexham
Bournemouth v Swansea
West Brom v Brentford or Wolves
West Ham or Bristol City v Nottingham Forest or Blackpool
Leicester v Hull or Birmingham
Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry
Ipswich v Maidstone
Liverpool v Norwich or Bristol Rovers
Tottenham v Manchester City
Leeds v Plymouth
Crystal Palace or Everton v Luton or Bolton
Newport or Eastleigh v Manchester United
Sheffield United v Brighton
Fulham v Newcastle
Ties to be played over the weekend of January 26-29.
10:28 PM GMT
Shaun Maloney
“Very hard to press against an opponent with that talent in the final third. Proud of my players. Difficult match. I was happy with our players and we had moments early and in those kind of games you have to take those chances. Although in fairness United had chances too.”
10:27 PM GMT
Erik ten Hag
“All about winning in the knockout. Job done. We created five or six good chances in the first half, we didn’t take them, but if you don’t score you have to stay focused.
“I haven’t seen (penalty) it was too far away from my position.
“Everyone is optimistic, it is a journey and a project. We have to deal with some setbacks.
“We go from game to game in the Cup, but now all our focus is on Spurs.”
Roy Keane: “He has mentioned the dreaded word project which probably means he will be gone in the next few months. The problem with United is that you don’t know who is going to turn up. You need better, you expect more.”
10:22 PM GMT
Marcus Rashford
Keane: “I wanted a bit more, I have high expectations of him. I think he has developed one or two bad habits, stopping the ball, flicks at the wrong time. I don’t think he runs in behind enough. He should be scoring. He should be more explosive. Frustrated me and hopefully frustrated his teammates.”
Martinez: “He doesn’t take as many risks (as he did back in 2018). He had such great place and technical control and sometimes you have to run into space and take the risk. Now he plays too safe, does not want to lose the ball. You used to mark the space because you couldn’t catch him. He’s a very different player.”
Wright: “He looks a shadow of the player.”
10:15 PM GMT
Diogo Dalot is the MotM
“We created a lot of chances, they had one or two counterattacks but overall we controlled the game and had some good moments.
“We needed a goal so we could be calm and not rush. We could have scored more, that was what was missing today.
New owners “bring new energy, positive feelings, motivation. We play to win every competition.”
10:13 PM GMT
Man United will play
Newport or Eastleigh in the next round.
James Ducker: “A deserved win for United and, but for Sam Tickle in the Wigan goal and better finishing, Ten Hag’s side would and should have scored more. This was United’s 23rd domestic game this season and in only five of those have attackers ended up on the scoresheet.”
Wigan have Mr Tickle in goal 😂😂😂
Has to be the world's best goalkeeper with them arms pic.twitter.com/kdHMSavQpv— Richard Cracknell (@MrCracknell) January 8, 2024
10:11 PM GMT
Full time: Wigan 0 Manchester United 2
A comfortable win for United, albeit rather bloodless as a Cup tie. The Premier League side could have wrapped this up before half time and didn’t. Dalot’s first half goal was a most attractive feature, Fernandes going down easily for a second half penalty he himself converted was less so. That gave United a cushion and Wigan never quite got in amongst them, for me. But still, the lower league side can feel proud of the some of the football they played.
10:06 PM GMT
90+2 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 2
McManaman clatters Pellistri and surely only the fact that the clock is running down saves him from a booking. There will be four minutes added on.
10:04 PM GMT
90 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 2
22,870 is the attendance, the biggest here since 2013. You just question whether the fans will think what might have been? They had a couple of good moments but they’ve not really tried to rattle United.
10:00 PM GMT
85 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 2
Run outs for United youngsters for Kambwalaa and Pellistri.
09:55 PM GMT
81 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 2
Garnacho rasps a shot at goal and Tickle is again the man on the spot. He’s played football in the 11th tier for Pilkington FC in the Cheshire League. Tickle, not Garnacho obvs. And here he is putting in a fine display against MUFC.
09:52 PM GMT
78 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 2
Shaw coming off for Smith.
Jones off. Calum McManaman, who played in the 2013 day of days, comes on.
He’s soon getting stuck into Garnacho.
09:48 PM GMT
75 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 2
“The slightest of contact but not enough to make him go down,” says Ally McCoist.
Soon afterwards, Fernandes wriggles free and hits a shot on target that the goalie nearly lets squirm out of his grasp.
09:47 PM GMT
GOAL! Wigan 0 Man Utd 2 (Fernandes 74p)
Nicely tucked away in the bottom corner, no chance keeper.
09:46 PM GMT
73 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Penalty to United. Fernandes with some dancing feet, Shaw sticks a leg out and touches Fernandes. Bruno needs no second invitation to hurl himself onto the deck.
09:42 PM GMT
69 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Jones comes down the left for Wigan. Crosses low but Varane is there.
09:39 PM GMT
66 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Godo with a break but he cannot quite find his way through.
09:39 PM GMT
65 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Another superb opportunity for United, Godot and Hughes combine to deny McTominay.
Not long after Bruno Fernandes has a rasping shot wide.
09:35 PM GMT
61 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Mainoo, who was quiet in the first half, with some classy play here and a decent shot - and a save to match it from Tickle.
09:32 PM GMT
58 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Humphrys is coming off. Magennis, who has a splendid moustache, comes on.
09:30 PM GMT
57 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Aasgaard swings an arm into the face of Varane, who needs treatment. A pause.
09:29 PM GMT
56 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
United got Wigan well pinned back, Rashford has a chance to sling it across but cannot quite find the pass.
09:27 PM GMT
53 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
But with United, you just never know. They’ve lost concentration at a throw in and nearly let the Latics get in.
09:25 PM GMT
51 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
The pitch looking really big right now for Wigan. They’re sitting deep and standing off. United have all the time in the world to probe and poke.
Nice play between Fernandes and Hojlund that just needed one more touch from the Portuguese.
09:21 PM GMT
48 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Rashford with a cute dummy, Humphrys buys it hook, line and sinker but Marcus shoots well wide.
09:18 PM GMT
46 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
No changes that I can see.
09:18 PM GMT
Head to head
United have won 18 of the last 19.
09:14 PM GMT
Way back?
A big second half ahead of us. 🏆
You Tics were magnificent in the first 45 minutes, and we’ll need that backing from the stands once again. 👏 #wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ZEZsj96HNz— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 8, 2024
09:13 PM GMT
Wigan playing well
They’ve got a very poor disciplinary record in their league, indeed the worst in League One, but they have only made three fouls so far and no cards. I thought they might make it a bit more blood and thunder but they’ve played some nice stuff and could well have had a goal. United still should be clear though.
09:10 PM GMT
What a sad day for sport
JPR Williams and Der Kaiser.
09:04 PM GMT
Half time: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
United are well on top but they’re a spineless and untrustworthy shower and you wouldn’t rule out Wigan pinching a goal here to force a replay. United really should be home and dry by now but they’re carrying 12 stone on their back with this Hojlund playing up top, in the number 11 shirt for crying out loud. When you think of the players who have worn it.
08:59 PM GMT
42 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Fernandes with a peach of a cross from the left, here’s McTominay arriving like a train (if trains actually worked) and he’s somehow managed to head that wide. How?!
08:56 PM GMT
40 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Woof! Garnacho has absolutely pinged one. Smashes into the crossbar with the keeper beat.
08:54 PM GMT
38 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Humphrys again with a run and shot, not sure he should be allowed that much time and space. Deflected for a corner... which eventually comes all the way back across to Charlie Hughes, whose shot is blocked.
08:52 PM GMT
37 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Talking of Hojlund, here he is again. Rashford is mullering Wigan down the left, puts the ball in but the hapless Hojlund cannot do the business from point-blank.
Don’t want to whale on the kid but he’s just not good enough for Man United.
08:51 PM GMT
35 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
James Ducker: “It was a nervy start from United and they were indebted to goalkeeper Andre Onana for not being behind after three minutes when he saved from Thelo Aasgaard. But Erik ten Hag’s side have settled down in the last 10 minutes, taking the lead through Diogo Dalot and spurning good chances for Marcus Rashford (twice), Scott McTominay and most recently Rasmus Hojlund.”
08:49 PM GMT
32 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Jones with a foul that gives United a handily placed freekick, central. Doesn’t come to much.
08:45 PM GMT
30 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Hojlund! Oh he should have scored. Powerful header from a perfect right-wing cross from Garnacho. McCoist: “He’s got to score that. Someone who needs goals and you just have to score [from there].”
08:44 PM GMT
27 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
United nod off though and here is Humphrys with a hard low drive through a crowd, Godo tries to get a wee touch and flick it in. Not quite.
08:40 PM GMT
24 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 1
Rashford very nearly makes it two, but keeper Tickle has just about clawed that back off the line. Did it go over? Close, but no.
08:38 PM GMT
GOAL! Wigan 0 Man United 1 (Dalot 22)
The pressure tells in the end. A powerful running move by United. down the right on the overload, Garnacho and Fernandes. Played inside, Rashford gets it and has a decent effort at the goal, Wigan just about block/repel that one but it drops handy for Dalot who picks his spot and strokes it into the far corner. Classy finish to be fair.
08:36 PM GMT
20 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
Best move of the match. Dalot and Fernades link brilliantly, slip it through to the GOAL MACHINE Scott McTominay, who places the ball carefully... wide.
08:34 PM GMT
19 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
Rashford with some great feet, brilliant defending from Clare to stay in the fight and just about get a foot in.
08:33 PM GMT
18 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
United have a corner, Assgaard I think the one who puts it behind for another corner. This one is taken short, some sort of scheme or ruse, but to little effect.
08:31 PM GMT
16 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
A Wigan break is curtailed when the ball hits Jones on the chest and then on the hand. Very harsh.
08:30 PM GMT
13 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
Rashford is at it. They cannot get the ball off him, drops the shoulder, beats his man and fires it at the goal. Ooh good stop. Well done Tickle.
08:28 PM GMT
11 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
Shame, I hope that wasn’t the moment for Wigan (although I think it might have been). United in control now.
But here’s fun - this Godo looks to have a bit about him, brings it forward in the amusement arcade stylee.
08:23 PM GMT
7 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
United starting to dominate the ball. Rashford seeing plenty of it. Crosses but it won’t quite come down for Hojlund.
7' 💪 Steven Sessegnon with a great block to prevent Alejandro Garnacho's effort from troubling Sam Tickle in the Latics goal.
(0-0)#wafc 🔵⚪️— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 8, 2024
08:22 PM GMT
6 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
That really was a fine stop from Onana just then. The Wigan lad can feel himself unlucky.
08:21 PM GMT
5 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
United starting to wake up. Rashford does well down the left and delivers it across.
08:19 PM GMT
3 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
Wigan are busy and committed, they’ve pinched it off United - and they create the game’s first chance.
Break down the right, raking ball across and here’s Aasgaard! Hits the target and draws a really good save from Onana.
Sean Clare had done good work, sent Martial Godo down the right, and it was he who played in a perfect defence-splitting ball.
08:16 PM GMT
1 mins: Wigan 0 Man Utd 0
United have ball and are playing it around at the back. Godo tackles Rashford.
08:15 PM GMT
No VAR
And there is Super Ally! And also the man whose face matters, Sam Matterface.
08:03 PM GMT
The teams again
Wigan: Tickle, Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Sessegnon, Shaw, Adeeko, Becket Godo, Aasgaard, Jones, Humphrys. Subs: Wyke, Amos, Kerr, Jonny Smith, Lang, McManaman, Magennis, Carragher, Robinson.
Man Utd: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, McTominay, Mainoo, Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund. Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Pellistri, Mejbri, Shoretire, Kambwala, Forson, Hugill, Bennett.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
08:01 PM GMT
Ties will be played
the 27/28 January weekend. I’ll put the full list up in a sec.
Eh voila.
FA Cup fourth-round draw in full:
Watford v Southampton
Blackburn v Wrexham
Bournemouth v Swansea
West Brom v Brentford or Wolves
West Ham or Bristol City v Nottingham Forest or Blackpool
Leicester v Hull or Birmingham
Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Ipswich v Maidstone
Liverpool v Norwich or Bristol Rovers
Tottenham v Manchester City
Leeds v Plymouth
Crystal Palace or Everton v Luton or Bolton
Newport or Eastleigh v Wigan or Manchester United
Sheffield United v Brighton
Fulham v Newcastle
08:01 PM GMT
And finally
Fulham v Newcastle United
08:01 PM GMT
Sheffield United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Nice.
08:00 PM GMT
Newport County or Eastleigh
will play the winners of this. What a prize that would be if United got through.
08:00 PM GMT
Crystal Palace or Everton
Will welcome Luton Town or Bolton Wanderers.
07:59 PM GMT
Leeds United
host Plymouth Argyle
07:59 PM GMT
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
That’s the plum! Nice.
07:56 PM GMT
Liverpool....
..... play.... Norwich or Bristol Rovers.
07:56 PM GMT
Ipswich
the 1978 winners will play Maidstone United, the lowest ranked team still in the comp.
07:56 PM GMT
Chelsea
the eight-time winners, will welcome... Aston Villa. Tasty.
07:55 PM GMT
Wednesday
three times winners, will host Coventry City.
07:55 PM GMT
Leicester City
Championship leaders will welcome Hull City or Birmingham. Again a good Midlands show if it’s the latter.
07:54 PM GMT
West Ham or Bristol
play Forest or Blackpool.
07:54 PM GMT
WBA
Baggies will host Brentford or Wolves - tasty one in the Midlands if Wolves get through.
07:53 PM GMT
Bournemouth
will welcome Swansea City.
07:53 PM GMT
Blackburn
get a home tie against Wrexham, the Hollywood owned up and comers.
07:53 PM GMT
FA Cup draw for the fourth round.
It is the mighty Gary Mabbutt to do it.
First name out of the hat is Watford. They will host Southampton, the 1976 winners.
07:51 PM GMT
Fancy a bet?
A repeat of the 2006 Carling Cup Final again sees Wigan try to topple Manchester United in a David vs Goliath tie. Back your prediction with these free bets and best betting sites.
07:41 PM GMT
Shaun Maloney on ITV
“Winning the FA Cup was the happiest I have ever been on a pitch. You don’t expect to win trophies at Wigan. At Celtic the pressure was intense.”
“Our captain tonight, Hughes, and out goalkeeper Tickle: look out for them. We need big performances at the back and we have some talent in the final third.”
07:40 PM GMT
Two changes for both sides
Thelo Aasgaard and Stephen Humphreys back into the home XI; Callum Lang and Josh Magennis out.
Eriksen and Antony omitted and in come home McTominay and Hojlund.
07:32 PM GMT
Roberto Martinez
who of course guided Wigan to the trophy. “Special memories. This is the most famous competition in club football and you can see why.”
07:30 PM GMT
Teams
Your Tics team to take on Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup. 🏆 👊#wafc 🔵⚪️
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 8, 2024
🫵 Your United XI to kick off our #FACup campaign! 🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 8, 2024
Wigan: Tickle, Clare, Hughes, Morrison, Sessegnon, Shaw, Adeeko, Becket Godo, Aasgaard, Jones, Humphrys. Subs: Wyke, Amos, Kerr, Jonny Smith, Lang, McManaman, Magennis, Carragher, Robinson.
Man Utd: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, McTominay, Mainoo, Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund. Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Pellistri, Mejbri, Shoretire, Kambwala, Forson, Hugill, Bennett.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
07:19 PM GMT
A few pieces that
might be of interest while we await the draw.
Here’s Oliver Brown with a state of the nation about the problems facing BBC Sport.
07:12 PM GMT
Maloney seems like a good chap
although as a Hibs fan I have to say he was a total flop as our manager not long ago. Although he’s hardly alone in that, it’s been an a parade of dross in recent years.
Sounds like he’s got a decent vibe going at Wigan although obviously results are not yet there.
07:04 PM GMT
Really good piece here with Shaun Maloney
Lots of excellent stuff on Celtic and Sir Alex.
Wigan’s Shaun Maloney: Sir Alex is God-like – my dad could never convert me to Arsenal
06:59 PM GMT
This match is on ITV
and, as I said, the draw precedes it.
I always enjoy a weekday non-Sky football blog because it’s a chance to catch up with Emmerdale. A lady with rubber gloves on has just had a little cry. Perhaps because she’s still got her Christmas tree up? I’ve no idea what she’s prattling on about.
06:11 PM GMT
Man United there for the taking? And draw news
Good evening and welcome to our dual-purpose blog this Monday evening, with Manchester United travelling to Wigan for a third round FA Cup tie that has “banana skin” written all over it for Erik ten Hag’s side. But before we get to that - the kick of is at 8.15pm - we will have the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup. With Arsenal going out yesterday, the other big clubs will perhaps figure that this is starting to look like a winnable prospect, and perhaps we will see strong teams put out.
Certainly Man United are not going to catch Manchester City in the League, and having already gone out of the League Cup and the Champions League, tonight’s competition represents their only chance of silverware this term. We will see what side ten Hag names to that end at around 7.15pm this evening.
Before that, the draw is at 7.50pm. Ten Has declared that life at United is a matter of dealing with pressure and expectation. “Manchester United, that is tough to play there because it is more easy to play in almost any other team than Manchester United because the pressure is that high always. You have to deal with that. But if you have confidence in yourself, this is the best challenge and this is definitely the best club you want to be at as a player. It depends on player to player, and it depends especially on the character of the player, their personality.”
Clearly all the pressure is on the Premier League side and the League One club should go out there and give it a go. They have not been in great form. Three defeats and two draws in their last six League games. They also have the worst disciplinary record in their division with 75 yellows and three reds so you wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a of fouls against quicker and more skilled opponents. Still, its 11 v 11 (as long as they don’t get a man sent off) and anything can happen in the Cup. Including Wigan winning it not so very long ago!