After a previously unbeaten 2010, United’s Reserves followed last week’s cup exit at the hands of Manchester City with a second successive defeat, losing 1-0 to Wigan after being forced to play the second half with just ten men.
While the defeat to City came after a disappointingly lacklustre performance, a slightly makeshift United XI acquitted themselves much more respectably at Robin Park and were unfortunate to end up on the losing side after having the better of the game even after Ritchie de Laet’s red card just before half-time. The Belgian defender received his marching orders after an off the ball clash with Latics forward Tomasz Kupisz, who rubbed salt in the wound when scoring what proved to be the winner just after the hour mark, and despite hitting the woodwork twice, the recently crowned champions couldn’t quite find the goal to preserve their long unbeaten league run.
UNITED
1. Ron-Robert Zieler
2. Michael Keane (12. Charni Ekangamene 76)
3. Joe Dudgeon
4. Corry Evans (c)
5. Ritchie de Laet
6. Oliver Gill
7. Cameron Stewart
8. Rodrigo Possebon
9. Febian Brandy (15. Larnell Cole 90)
10. Oliver Norwood
11. Etzaz Hussain (14. Jesse Lingard 84)
Subs not used
13. Sam Johnstone
Booked: Brandy, Stewart, Ekangamene
Sent Off: de Laet
Ref: P Banks
Wigan: Nicholls; Buxton, Meace, Jukes, Mustoe; Breeze, Morris, Redmond; Crane, Serrano (Willis, 89); Kupisz
Not used: Williams, Chiocchi, Girvan, Amos.
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