Below-par United hold out for Wigan win

Wigan Athletic will feel hugely unfortunate to have not left Old Trafford with at least a point on Wednesday evening. Wayne Rooney, who hobbled off injured soon afterwards, netted the only goal of the game in the first minute but the Latics were the better side for long periods. It was all in sharp contrast to United’s 3-0 demolition of Chelsea on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes from the side that crushed Chelsea on the weekend. John O'Shea replaced the injured Patrice Evra at left-back, whilst Rafael Da Silva came in for Gary Neville. Elsewhere, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick replaced Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher in the middle, whilst Nani came in for Ji-Sung Park.

The Red Devils got off to the perfect start as Rooney broke the deadlock in the opening minute. The England forward capped off a fine break, after Ronaldo surged down the right-flank and fed a pin-point cross for Rooney who steered the ball beyond Chris Kirkland from close-range.

The goal was Rooney's only meaningful contribution as he limped down the tunnel only minutes later with a hamstring injury. Initial reports suggest the player could spend some three weeks on the sidelines as Sir Alex's injury problems continue. He was replaced by Carlos Tevez as United produced an ineffective performance that wasn't really worthy of maximum points.

Wigan enjoyed plenty of possession and won a number of corners but struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities. The JJB Stadium club looked the better team for long periods but lacked any sort of spark in attack. Maynor Figueroa forced a save out of Edwin van der Sar on 41 minutes, whilst Antonio Valencia fired wide with nine minutes remaining - but, other than that, rarely came close to denying United a ninth straight clean sheet in the league.

Wigan's following was pitiful - perhaps the 12-mile journey put them off - and there were empty seats in all the home stands too. It certainly wasn't an evening to savour but a win's a win and United go second just two points behind the Scousers with a game in hand.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-0 Wigan Athletic
Attendance - 73,917

Below-par United hold out for Wigan win

Posted by: manutdweb.com (IP Logged)

Date: 15/01/2009 14:42

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Re: Below-par United hold out for Wigan win

Posted by: foxymcfox (IP Logged)

Date: 15/01/2009 15:34

Maybe its the 2 away games in one week that kept the Wigan fans away or could it be the £40 you were charging to go and watch !!!!

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Re: Below-par United hold out for Wigan win

Posted by: Mick_MUFC (IP Logged)

Date: 15/01/2009 18:08

Lucky to get the win and it came at a cost. Could prove a vital game but in what way? 3 points important even though we were sh.it or the resulting injury crisis we find ourselves in followin the game!

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