United step it up a gear to push aside Wigan Athletic

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Danny Welbeck of Manchester United beats Gary Caldwell of Wigan Athletic during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford on September 15, 2012 in Manchester, England.

Manchester United continued from where they left off before the international break by defeating Wigan Athletic 4-0 at Old Trafford to go within a point of leaders Chelsea after their draw at the weekend. After a poor first-half display, United opened the scoring through landmark-man Paul Scholes. Soon after, new signing Alexander Buttner assisted Chicharito for his first goal of the season before scoring a spectacular solo one himself. The goal-fest was concluded by another new signing Nick Powell, who’d come on as a sub for Scholes, with a phenomenal goal from long-range after a neat first touch. That ensured that all of United’s new signings this summer had scored on their home debuts.

Sir Alex named a rather cautious lineup when he left Van Persie and Kagawa on the bench, possibly to give them extra time to recover from injuries. Welbeck and Chicharito both started upfront. There was also to be Giggsy’s first start of the season, his 600th league appearance for Manchester United. Other milestones to be reached in the day were Rio Ferdinand’s 400th appearance for United and Scholes’ 700th game for the club. The game also represented Sir Alex’s 500th home league game in charge of United in his quarter of the century in charge of the club. United started off slowly but eventually got a chance to take the lead when Welbeck won a very soft penalty when going for the ball with goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi. Chicharito had the chance to get his first goal of the season, but his rather weak penalty was saved. Wigan, most importantly Al-Habsi, must’ve felt like justice was done. Few could argue with that. Welbeck had a few more pops at goal but none of them were on target. United created few chances in the first half and weren’t clinical enough.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Wigan Athletic players surround Michael Oliver the referee after he awards a penalty against them during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford on September 15, 2012 in Manchester, England.

United started the second half the way we knew they usually play. The team upped the pace of their game and were rewarded for it when Carrick’s clever little pass to Nani produced a shot from the winger that was parried by Al-Habsi onto the path of Scholes to score on his 700th appearance for the club. Remarkably, the ginger prince has scored in his 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th, 500th and 700th appearances for the club. United lost out on the title due to scoring fewer goals last season but they look like they are learning their lessons, as they don’t seem shy in front of goal this term. United went forward in search of more. The second goal arrived sooner when Buttner played a low cross from Giggs’ pass onto Chicharito’s path, who was clearly onside, for his first goal of the season. Then, the Dutchman went on an amazing solo run beating 4 tackles from Wigan’s defenders to score a brilliant goal on his debut for the club. That wasn’t going to be the only goal on debut for one of our new signings. Nick Powell, on as a sub for Scholesly, got on the score sheet from 25 yards out after a superb first touch to make room for the shot. The rout was complete thanks to a very good second half display.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Paul Scholes of Manchester United #22 scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford on September 15, 2012 in Manchester, England.

United’s victory summed up a good day overall after seeing title rivals City and Chelsea slip-up in their games. It was even better considering Van Persie was barely needed for the big win and others like Cleverley, Kagawa, Valencia got a good rest ahead of a big week in Champions League and also weekend game against Liverpool at Anfield.

Match Ratings: Lindegaard 7, Rafael 6.5, Vidic 7, Ferdinand 7, Buttner 8, Nani 7, Scholes 9, Carrick 7.5, Giggs 6.5, Chicharito 7.5, Welbeck 7.