Goals from Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez sealed victory for Manchester United against Wigan, who had two men sent off at Old Trafford. It was a vital victory for United who took advantage of defeats from leaders Chelsea and second-placed Arsenal, as Sir Alex Ferguson's men moved level on points with the champions.
United welcomed back striker Wayne Rooney to the bench for the first time since his infamous negotiation saga, he was joined by Paul Scholes who returned from his one match suspension. With Dimitar Berbatov out of the squad and Javier Hernandez finding himself amongst the substitutes, it left Italian striker Federico Macheda, who scored his first goal of the season last week against Aston Villa, playing as the lone striker on the pitch. He was supported by Gabriel Obertan and Nani to assist in the task of getting United on the scoresheet.
United will hope to make top spot all their own next weekend as they entertain neighbours Blackburn Rovers while Chelsea have a tough away trip to St. James Park in prospect. Before that both sides are involved in midweek Champions League action with United making the trip to Glasgow to face Rangers while Chelsea hope to regain the winning touch against visiting MSK Zilina.
United will hope to make top spot all their own next weekend as they entertain neighbours Blackburn Rovers while Chelsea have a tough away trip to St. James Park in prospect. Before that both sides are involved in midweek Champions League action with United making the trip to Glasgow to face Rangers while Chelsea hope to regain the winning touch against visiting MSK Zilina.
Teams:
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Rafael, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Carrick, Fletcher, Park Ji-Sung, Nani, Macheda, Obertan
Wigan: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa, Gohouri, Diame, Thomas, N'Zogbia, Stam, Rodallega, Gómez
Final Scoreline: Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic (Evra 45', Hernandez 77')