Wigan Athletic 0-4 Manchester United: Player Ratings
Ali Al Habsi: 4.5
Continued his poor form as he palmed Evra’s initial shot directly into the path of Hernandez for his opener. Really wasn’t an assuring presence behind the Wigan back line.
Gary Caldwell: 4.5
Tormented by the speed of Hernandez and the strength and skill of Van Persie and didn’t do his job well.
Emmerson Boyce: 5
Tried to initiate a few attacks but was too slow to return to his position which left the other defenders with a lot to do against such a potent attack.
Ivan Ramis: 5
Slipped up and let Van Persie get his shot away for his opener. Could be faulted for not marking Van Persie for his second but by then all hope was lost.
Maynor Figueroa: 5.5
Was usually the last man against Hernandez and used the offside trap to keep him out but the little Mexican’s pace was just too much for him.
James McCarthy: 6
Did well to keep the ball, teaming up with Figueroa, but kept staying back as the players ahead of him just kept losing the ball and he had to work to win it back.
James McArthur: 6.5
Was probably the only one in the Wigan side who managed to keep the ball with him while attacking and managed to get past Carrick, but didn’t do much with it due to the lack of options, and for that matter intent, from his teammates ahead of him.
Jean Beausejour: 4
Didn’t support Figueroa at all and didn’t move ahead as well. Was as if he wasn’t on the pitch.
Arouna Koné: 7
Was the focal point of most attacks by Wigan, was denied a goal as ran offside. Was a major threat in the opening half but his effect faded off later as most of the play was in the Wigan half.
Franco Di Santo: 6
Did well to move forward but was eventually starved of service. Did try to put in a good defensive shift though.
Shaun Maloney: 6
Won the fixture the last time out but hardly had any influence this time. Was, disappointingly, caught in possession all the time.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Jordi Gomez: 5.5
Came so very close to scoring from a free kick. Didn’t do much else.
Ronnie Stam: N/A
Replaced Gary Caldwell after for 20 minutes.
Callum McManaman: N/A
Came on for Shaun Maloney with 5 minutes to go.
David De Gea: 6
Didn’t have to make a single save or clearance. Collected some crosses easily – a virtual spectator.
Rafael: 7
As there really wasn’t much defending to do, the in-form Brazilian could stretch his legs and show his great pace to support Young with his clever runs and change of speed.
Patrice Evra: 7.5
When given the opportunity he attacked with menace, often taking up positions occupied by forwards Provided options for Giggs.
Rio Ferdinand: 6.5
Held off Kone as he threatened early on. Made a vital touch to see off an almost certain chance for di Santo. Had a relatively quiet day. Came off for Smalling.
Jonny Evans: 7
Was resilient in defense and contributed well in managing to get the cross which led to the opener. Didn’t really have to do much all round.
Ryan Giggs: 7.5
The evergreen veteran showed his class on the wing. Playing a rare 90 minutes, he kept putting in crosses and showed his quality when used properly.
Michael Carrick: 7
United’s go-to man took a bit of time to get off the blocks in the beginning but controlled the game with relative ease after Hernandez’s goal. Easy on the ball and somehow managed a safe pass always. Broke down Wigan’s attack. Came off for a well deserved rest, for Shinji Kagawa.
Ashley Young: 6.5
Showed good attacking threat providing some scrumptious crosses. His trickery and pace always caused problems for Wigan. Came back to assist Rafeal in the defense as well. Picked up a knock and came off for Danny Welbeck.
Tom Cleverley: 7.5
Relishing his role in midfield alongside Carrick, he was allowed to move around and contribute well in attack as well. Played some delightful flicks in the second half, which is a sign of his confidence.
Javier Hernández: 8
Continues to torment Wigan as he did on previous occasions. Was caught offside for most of the first half an hour with one of his goals disallowed, but when he finally was onside he scored with his typical poacher’s instinct. Put in a good cross which set up Van Persie’s goal. Showed his finishing ability to blast home his second.
Robin Van Persie: 8.5
Oozed class as he showed some amazing composure to make space and curl home a goal with his “weaker foot”. Coolly finished off his second even as he was falling backwards. Words don’t do justice to the impact he’s had at United.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Shinji Kagawa: 5.5
Came on with 20 minutes remaining but saw very little of the ball to make a significant impact.
Chris Smalling: 4.5
Made a real mess of handling Kone and was lucky to get away with a booking. Didn’t do a good job in replacing the calm Ferdinand.
Danny Welbeck: 7
Showed the immense work rate he’s known for. Denied a penalty as soon as he came on. Showed his incredible knack of picking the ball as he unselfishly set up Van Persie for his second.