Ten Hag lauds 'inspirational' impact of Ratcliffe after FA Cup win

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised his co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe purchased a 25% stake in the Red Devils last month.

And after tonight's 2-0 FA Cup win at Wigan, the United boss hailed the positive atmosphere that now surrounds the club.

He told ITV: "[Jim Ratcliffe's arrival] is an inspiration. Everyone is optimistic. 

"There is a lot of work to do. It's a journey, a project. We have to deal with some setbacks but we will keep alive. We will strike back."

That sentiment was shared by full-back Diogo Dalot, who opened the scoring at the DW Stadium before Bruno Fernandes' 74th-minute penalty sealed the visitors' place in the fourth round.

Dalot said: "[Jim Ratcliffe] brings some good energy, some new energy, hopefully with positive feelings, new things to conquer.

"[We are] looking to the future with good energy. Hopefully we can win a lot of things together.

"We're Manchester United, we play to win every competition, hopefully we can be at Wembley and win it."

United dominated proceedings in Lancashire with 33 shots on goal along with 67% possession.

Ten Hag was happy his side avoided a potential upset against the League One side and 2013 winners.

He added: "The FA Cup is all about winning.

"The words I used in the dressing room — job done.

"In the first half, we created five or six very good chances. It was good football. 

"We should have taken more but if you don't score, you have to stay focused and that is what we did.

"There were some good attacks, some good chances, we didn't take them but the way we created them was OK."

The Red Devils return to Premier League action when they host Tottenham on Sunday.

They will face either Newport or non-league outfit Eastleigh in the next round of the FA Cup, with ties scheduled to take place on January 27-28.