Full Time Report: United 4 Wigan 0
Report: United 4 Wigan 0
United moved to the top of the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic, irresistable second half display against Wigan Athletic.
Goals from Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Wayne Rooney after the break brushed off the physical challenge posed by Chris Hutchings’ Latics.
United lost Nemanja Vidic and John O’Shea to injuries in a bruising first 45 minutes, while Louis Saha was a late withdrawal from the squad after injuring himself in the warm-up.
A patched-up Reds defence saw Gerard Pique and Danny Simpson included alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, and the two youngster turned in outstanding performances.
While United’s attacking verve was too much for Wigan in the second half, the visitors had managed to keep the Reds at arm’s length for the majority of the first half.
Visiting goalkeeper Chris Kirkland had to be at his very best inside the first five minutes, as he reacted brilliantly to claw away a header from Salomon Olembe, who inadvertently diverted Carlos Tevez’s cross goalwards.
In the ensuing melee, Ronaldo was denied a strong shout for a penalty, as he was seemingly wrestled to the ground by Michael Brown. Referee Mike Riley quickly waved away the claims, however, much to the chagrin of the Portuguese winger.
*Report courtesy of http://manutd.com/