And Latics boss Roberto Martinez has attributed a large part of his team's downfall to the Christmas fixture pile up which will have had an impact on the intensity level of his sides performance.
Speaking to the club's official website after the 4-0 defeat, Martinez said: “Frustratingly, I don’t think we were able to compete with a side with the quality that Manchester United has.
“There was a lack of energy in the players which is understandable given that this is our fourth game in eleven days and in many ways this was the wrong opposition to play against.
“They were able to make five changes at the start of the day and that freshness made a real difference.
“We started the game looking very positive and reaching good levels, but then a couple of second phases from set pieces led to the opening goals which highlighted how tired we were in moments when you need to be completely concentrated.
“I thought the attitude and mentally of the players in the second-half was very good despite being two-goals behind."
Next up for the Latics is the visit of Bourneouth on Saturday in the FA Cup.