Manchester United got their biggest away win of the season with a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium to earn just their fourth shutout away from home. The final score was definitely not a fair reflection of the match, because the Lactics created three of the game’s best chances, but two very clinical finishes from Javier Hernandez, a gifted goal for Rooney and a first-ever goal for Fabio saw the Reds win comfortably in the end.
Even though it was a massive scoreline and the most goals that United scored away from Old Trafford this season, was it a defender that earned Man of the Match honors?
E. van der Sar – 8
Made three huge game-saving saves and showed just how important it is to have a fully-focused and experience goalkeeper to rely on.
John O’Shea – 6
Given a tough time by the Wigan wingers and was sometimes caught out of position, but O’Shea’s inexperience, no-frills mentality is always welcomed by the United manager.
Chris Smalling -6
Given a stern test by the very physical Hugo Rodallega, and at times he showed his inexperience by playing dangerous balls.
Nemanja Vidic – 8 (Man of the Match)
The best bit of business that Sir Alex Ferguson has done was to secure the services of the Big Serbian defender, because without him, United would not have the league position that currently have.
Patrice Evra – 6
Vital going forward helping the attack, but careless on occasion in defending and allowing his opponent to have way too much space.
Darren Fletcher – 6
First touch let him down a couple of times, but his industry and versatility will always keep him in the United team.
Michael Carrick – 7
Constantly criticized for his play, but he was never frazzled by the more athletic Wigan midfielders, because his composure – which was definitely needed in games like this.
Paul Scholes – 7
Misplaced a couple of passes that gave Wigan a couple of golden chances, but Scholes showed that he can pick any pass he likes with his vision and ability.
Nani – 6
Played another sublime near post pass to increase his assist total to 14, but on any other day Nani would have added to his goal total.
Wayne Rooney – 6
Got a goal and an assist for his effort, but he could very well face a three-match ban if he is charged with violent conduct following unnecessary elbow on James McCarthy.
Javier Hernandez – 8
The young forward showed that he has nerves of steel with two great poacher finishes and Chicharito will cause a lot of teams problems with his pace.
Substitutes
Darron Gibson – 6
Came on for the last 15 minutes, but he still managed to make an impression on the game by playing a great lead ball that eventually led to United’s third goal.
Fabio – 6
Became the 13th United goal scorer of the season with his first senior goal, and he showed that every player in the squad will be counted on at some point in the season’s run-in.
Dimitar Berbatov – 6
Showed that he is all about the team when he passed to Rooney instead of having a go himself, and he was able to get rested for United’s biggest games of the season in the next week.
Overall – 6
A clinical, punishing performance away from Old Trafford by the Reds, but Manchester United needs to improve their focus if they are going to take maximum points from their next two Barclays Premier League matches.
Submitted by The United Religion
