Manchester United travelled to Wigan Athletic on Tuesday having won 14 of their previous 15 matches against the Latics.
The opening half remained a tightly-contested affair until the 35th minute when Javier Hernandez put United ahead. Meanwhile, it was two when Robin Van Persie scored his 15th league goal of the season moments before the break.
United continued to dominate in the second period and they made it three just past the hour mark when Hernandez scored his second of the match before Van Persie secured his brace late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! First and foremost, Happy New Year! The year of 2012 brought many great footballing moments. Let’s hope for many more in 2013. Games between Wigan and United have certainly favoured the Red Devils in recent seasons, but a strike from Shaun Maloney in this fixture last season secured a 1-0 win for the home side. A similar result this time around would ease some relegation fears and hand teams below United a way back into the title race.
Wigan’s 3-0 success at Villa Park on Saturday was their second-highest away win in the Premier League. Meanwhile, their victory over United last season was the first points that they have ever recorded against the Red Devils, losing 14 of the previous 15 fixtures. Wigan have also managed just five goals in 15 league games against United.
It had been suggested that Wigan’s home form would ultimately decide their fate in the Premier League this season, but they have picked up as many points away from home (nine) as they have at the DW Stadium. Meanwhile, they have not won at home since October. However, there is no question that they have improved in recent weeks and should have taken all three points against Arsenal in their final match before Christmas.
It looks set to be another tough season at the bottom of the league for Wigan, but it is to their credit that they manage to pull clear season after season. You do worry that their luck will run out, but boss Roberto Martinez’s relationship with owner Dave Whelan is to be admired in a time when managers are easily dismissed. Martinez stock continues to rise, with Whelan ever insistent that the Spaniard is good enough to boss any of the top teams in world football.
However, Wigan will have to improve on their scoring rate if they are to take something from this match. They have failed to score in seven of their 20 league games this season and have found the back of the net just 22 times. They have won five, drawn three and lost 12 of their 20 league matches thus far, but the performances of the likes of James McCarthy and Arouna Kone – who has scored in his last two matches – has provided reason for hope.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Wigan make one change from the win over Villa with James McArthur replacing David Jones. Meanwhile, Shaun Maloney and Franco di Santo will provide support to Arouna Kone. Rafael returns from injury for United. Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs is also given a spot in the team at the expense of Antonio Valencia. Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie will lead the line for the away side. Full teams to follow.
WIGAN: Al-Habsi; Ramis, Caldwell, Figueroa; Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour; Di Santo, Maloney, Kone
MAN UTD: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Young, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs; Van Persie, Hernandez
So there we have it. The home side will continue with their system of three central defenders. United, however, make five changes from the win over West Brom at the weekend. Shinji Kagawa takes his place on the bench alongside Danny Welbeck, Antonio Valencia, Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling.
Another worrying statistic for Wigan, however, is the fact that of all teams with more than three seasons in the Premier League, the Latics have the worst points per game rate in January. That is in contrast to United who have won 19 of their last 22 Premier League matches in January. Not the best of omens for the home side. But this is football and as we are all aware, it is never that straightforward.
United, meanwhile, have registered 49 points from their 20 league matches, winning 16, drawing one and losing three. That return is the third highest total at this stage of the year in Premier League history. They currently sit seven points clear of last season’s champions Manchester City at the turn of the year, but will be wary having blown an eight-point lead in the latter stages of last season.
This afternoon will be United’s 199th North-West game in Premier League history. They have remarkably won 127 of those fixtures. Meanwhile, United’s total of 50 goals from 20 games is the fourth highest at this stage of a Premier League season. Manchester City currently hold the record with 56, which they registered on their way to the title last season.
On the down side, it does not take a genius to see that United have struggled in defence this season. The opposition has scored first against the club in 11 of their 20 league fixtures thus far, while they have conceded 28 goals. That is nine more than Manchester City, 10 more than Chelsea and more than the likes of West Ham United and Sunderland. The reason they are top? Their incredible striking options.
If United do secure the title this season, then the signing of Robin van Persie in the summer could be mooted as one of the main reasons. The Dutchman is currently the top scorer in the Premier League this season with 14 goals and has been in quite stunning form for his new club. The Dutchman has also scored 62 goals in 75 games since January 2011 and registered decisive strikes away to Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool this season. In addition to a goal against former club Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney – who is currently nursing a knee injury – has also been in fine form in recent weeks. His return of seven goals in 14 league games is not as impressive as last season, but his all-round play and assist record has allowed Van Persie to thrive. Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez has also weighed in with 10 goals in 20 matches in all competitions. That is a quite stunning record for a player that is in and out of the team. It hasn't quite worked out for Danny Welbeck thus far, but he will certainly play his part.
United have also found other ways to score goals this season. Keen followers of the club would gladly admit that their threat from set pieces had been lacking in previous seasons, but they have scored 18 goals from corners this season, more than any other side in the league. Even stand-in skipper Patrice Evra has weighed in with four league strikes.
Without making excuses, injuries have certainly not helped United’s defensive problems. They played the majority of the early season with a back four of Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra. However, the return of Nemanja Vidic will surely improve their solidarity. The Serbian has been joined by Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in recent weeks, with both youngsters getting better as the season wares on. Suddenly Ferguson has options in defence and can rest Ferdinand when needed.
Michael Carrick has also been a star performer for the club this season. There is a reason why he consistently gets picked in Ferguson’s team. The statistics back up his influence. He has made an incredible 3,226 passes in the Premier League this season, 577 more than any other player. His pass for Hernandez in the 4-3 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day helped his side to three points in the final minute. He will surely have a key role to play this afternoon.
United boss Ferguson also has an impressive return from matches on January 1. He has overseen eight wins from 15 matches, losing just two. United’s last defeat on this date came in 1996 when they were beaten by Spurs. However, they have recorded four 0-0 draws in previous seasons. Surely that result will not surface in this match? The neutral certainly hopes not!
Here’s a word from Wigan boss Roberto Martinez on Shaun Maloney prior to the match. He told Eurosport: “Shaun Maloney is one of the most gifted players you can see in this league. He has a good eye for a pass but other than that he has moved to a different level. I hope he gets a lot of recognition as he deserves all the credit. Maloney is a fine professional and a massive asset to Wigan."
Meanwhile, Ferguson stated: “It is important that we do not sit at the top of the table admiring our position. We would soon get a rude awakening. Congratulating ourselves on our Premier League lead doesn't mean a thing to me. It's winning the next game that counts."
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff. That can only mean one thing on Sports Mole. Time for the pre-match prediction. The fact that there has never been a draw between the two sides in the Premier League should not be ignored. I just cannot see any way how United do not win this football match. I am backing a 3-1 away win with Van Persie on the scoreline.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a final reminder on the main team news. Wigan make just the one change with McArthur coming into the team in place of Jones. Meanwhile, United make five changes from the weekend with Hernandez and Van Persie both starting.
Today’s referee is none other than Andre Marriner. Let’s hope that we are discussing the football rather than contentious decisions at the end of the match. Victory for United this afternoon could move them 10 points clear at the top of the table if Manchester City lose against Stoke City. Meanwhile, all three points for Wigan would ease some early relegation fears. The away side get the action underway on this mild afternoon in Wigan.
Decent start from United with Evra picking up possession down the left before attempting to feed Young, but the winger cannot control and Boyce comes across to collect. Ferdinand attempts to force the ball forward moments later, but Maynor Figueroa clears the danger long towards Kone.
The home side have failed to settle in the early stages of the match with United enjoying a vast amount of possession in the midfield area. Giggs attempts to feed the run of Hernandez, but the Mexican had just strayed offside and play is restarted with a Wigan free kick. Meanwhile, both sets of supporters are in good voice thus far. The pitch is also in good condition for this stage of the season.
First half-chance of the match for United as Van Persie finds the run of Hernandez in behind, but the Mexican's shot is straight at the goalkeeper and Al-Habsi attempts to release Ivan Ramis on the counter. Both sides are enjoying decent spells of possession, but neither has really failed to open the scoring inside the opening six minutes of this match.
Slightly untidy period to the match at the moment with both sides exchanging possession of the ball in midfield. Wigan have attempted to release the run of Maloney at every opportunity, but the pace and power of Rafael has quickly quelled the danger.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Beausejour whips a high cross into the penalty area, but Ferdinand just makes the clearance with Kone floating in and around the box. Wigan have certainly taken control of the passing in the last couple of minutes. Little under 10 minutes on the clock at the DW Stadium and the score remains 0-0.
Half-chance for United as Young drives past Gary Caldwell before firing a low cross into the penalty area, but neither Hernandez nor Van Persie had gambled on the ball and it drifts away for a goal kick. United have the ball in the back of the net moments later as Hernandez finds the bottom corner, but he just moved too early and the offside flag was raised.
It just isn't quite happening for the home side in an attacking sense at the moment as another long pass towards Maloney just drifts away from the speedy winger. It is the United fans making much of the noise in the early stages with their side just starting to get to grips with the midfield. However, it has been a typical New Year's Day fixture so far.
Again it's decent football from United as Van Persie collects possession outside the penalty box before attempting to find the run of Young, but the pass is just over-hit and Al-Habsi comes out to collect the danger. However, the home side are really struggling to find the likes of Kone and Di Santo in advanced areas with 16 minutes on the clock.
Nothing much to get excited about in the last couple of minutes with United attempting to feed high balls into Van Persie in and around the Wigan penalty area. The threat from the home side remains from the pace of Maloney, but he has been unable to attack Rafael on too many occasions. United break down the right with the full-back moments later, but his cross is poor and behind for a goal kick.
Half-chance for the home side as Ferdinand can only half-clear towards Beausejour. The wing-back strikes a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area, but it moves high and wide of the goal. Suddenly Wigan look a threat with Boyce and Di Santo combining to good effect down the right. Little under 20 minutes of football played and the score remains 0-0.
Nothing much for United in midfield in the opening stages of this match. There appears to be a huge gap between the front two and the most advanced of the away side's midfield, Tom Cleverley. It would be fair to state that both teams are comfortable as we stand at the DW Stadium. Not a classic encounter by any means.
Penalty shout for United as Young evades the challenge of Caldwell before driving into the Wigan box, but Ramis comes across to make the challenge. In fairness there was not a great deal in the coming together. But the home side certainly look the side more likely to open the scoring as they force a corner down the left.
Wigan continue to play the better football as we surpass the mid-point in the opening half. Everything from United is going long towards Van Persie, but it is playing straight into the hands of the home side as Al-Habsi comes out to collect once more. Neither side has really threatened to open the scoring in this match.
It's really good football from United with Rafael and Giggs both involved down the left. Eventually the cross is whipped into the box by Young, but his delivery is poor and Al-Habsi comes out to collect the danger. We have seen nothing from Van Persie thus far, while Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick have also found it difficult to influence proceedings.
CHANCE! Best move of the match by some distance as Evra finds Cleverley down the right, the ball eventually comes to Giggs who whips a wonderful cross into the box, but it moves along the edge of the box and away for a throw. That was the away side at their free-flowing best. Wigan attempt to attack on the counter with Kone, but Evans comes across to make the clearance.
Again it's good work from United as Young evades the challenge of Ramis before being chopped down by Figueroa to win a free kick outside the Wigan box. The resulting set piece is taken by Van Persie, but Al-Habsi just manages to clear the danger under the challenge of two attackers.
Serious pressure from United at the moment as they force two corners in quick succession, but Wigan just manage to clear the danger with desperate defending. You just get the feeling that the tide could be about to turn with the away side finding their passing rhythm in the final third.
It's all United with little under 10 minutes of the half remaining. They continue to pass and probe around the edge of the Wigan box, but have thus far been unable to find that final pass. Evra remains involved down the left, before Rafael strikes an effort from the opposite side, but Al-Habsi pushes to safety.
Another half-chance comes the way of United as Cleverley meets a bouncing ball in the penalty area, but his powerful effort is blocked by Ramis. The ball remains in and around the Wigan penalty area with Van Persie and Rafael probing, but the danger is cleared for another corner. Is the opening goal coming?
GOAL! Wigan Athletic 0-1 Manchester United (Hernandez)
United take the lead and it had been coming. It's Evra that finds himself inside the penalty area as he strikes towards goal, Al-Habsi makes the save, but can only palm straight to the feet of Hernandez, who is on hand to turn home from close range. United deservedly lead at the DW Stadium.
United really have turned on the style in the past couple of minutes as they continue to pepper the Wigan goal. You just get the feeling that Wigan need to hold onto this score in the next five or so minutes before the break. A couple of corners come into the Wigan box in quick succession, but the home side are awarded a free kick on the latter.
A rare attack for Wigan comes close to bringing the equaliser as Di Santo fires a searching cross into the penalty area, but Ferdinand just beats Kone to the ball. The pressure remains as Boyce fires a high cross into the box, but Ferdinand just beats Di Santo to the header. Suddenly the home side have woken up here.
Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in the opening half and Wigan have responded well since falling behind to that strike from Hernandez. The home side have certainly showed enough to suggest that they can come back into the match in the second period. It's good work from McCarthy as he evades Evra before firing a high cross into the box, but De Gea comes to collect the danger.
GOAL! Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United (Van Persie)
Stunning. Just stunning. It's Van Persie with his 15th Premier League goal of the season as he collects a pass from Hernandez before turning in the box and curling his effort into the top corner. Is that game, set and match? United lead 2-0 at the DW Stadium with little over two minutes of the first half remaining.
United have the ball in the back of the net once more as Van Persie finds Hernandez and the little Mexican pokes the ball under Al-Habsi. But once more the offside flag had been raised. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: WIGAN 0-2 MAN UTD
So there we have it. Goals from Hernandez and Van Persie hand United a comfortable 2-0 lead over Wigan at the interval. The home side have passed the ball with confidence for large periods, but United turned on the style to all but secure the points.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Wigan have dominated the possession with 55%, but they have managed just one shot off target in contrast to United who have hit the target with all five of their attempts. No Rooney for the away side today, but their two strikers have both registered goals.
It is difficult to see where Wigan go in this match. They continue to impress with their passing ability, but have thus far been unable to create a single shooting opportunity of note. In terms of options from the bench, they only really have Mauro Boselli who would be considered as a goal threat. For United, they will feel confident of extending their lead in the second period.
Let me bring you up to date with the other scores from the 3pm kickoffs in the Premier League. Manchester City currently lead Stoke City by the single goal. Swansea and Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur and Reading are both level at 1-1. Meanwhile, West Ham United lead Norwich City 2-0 at Upton Park. As it stands, United would remain seven points clear at the top, but Wigan would drop to 17th.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. You just get the feeling that if Wigan are to take something from this match then they need to score the next goal and it has to be soon. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the second 45 minutes of action. Wigan get the second period underway.
It's really good pressure from United in the early stages of the second period as they force Wigan back into their own box. Meanwhile, the shakiness of Al-Habsi continues as he fluffs his clearance straight into the stands. United will be looking to wrap this game up as soon as possible.
Wigan attempt to force the issue as Di Santo collects possession on the right before whipping a high cross into the penalty area, but once more Ferdinand is on hand to clear the danger. Slightly untidy period to the match in the last couple of moments with neither side really able to keep hold of the possession.
First half-chance of the second period for United as Evra combines with Cleverley down the left before whipping a low cross into the penalty area, but Boyce just manages to clear in front of Hernandez. The little Mexican has been a real livewire this afternoon and you would not back against him adding to his tally in the remaining 40 minutes in this match.
Another half-chance for Hernandez arrives as Van Persie finds the run of Hernandez, but this time he cannot find the target as he fires over the crossbar. The three in defence for Wigan appears to be playing into United's hands as they continue to pick holes. Especially with Van Persie in their ranks.
Ferdinand sorts out the danger from Wigan once more as he comes across to clear following a long pass from Kone. Meanwhile, Al-Habsi continues to wobble down the other end as he slices another kick out of play. He has been a star performer for Wigan this season but he is really struggling with confidence in this match.
United have Wigan penned in their own half at the moment as De Gea desperately attempts to keep warm at the other end. The away side continue to pass and probe and you have to think that the third goal will soon be on its way. Still no sign of any changes for either side as the game moves closer to the hour mark.
Wigan just cannot keep the ball at the moment as they continue to hand possession straight to the United midfield. More good work from Van Persie comes close to adding a third as he slips a low pass towards Cleverley, but Boyce just comes across to make the clearance. However, the pressure remains as Hernandez strikes an effort from distance.
It's too easy for United with 30 minutes remaining. It really is as simple as that. Wigan have not registered a single shot on goal in the entire 60 minutes. They have enjoyed more of the ball in the past couple of moments, but it must be said that Ferdinand and Evans have both been immense in the back four.
Wigan have the ball in the back of the net as Di Santo fires across goal towards Kone, who is on hand to turn home at the far post. However, the offside flag is raised and replays have shown that the correct decision was made. But that will certainly give them encouragement.
CHANCE! United respond with a chance of their own as Young fires a wonderful ball into the penalty area. Hernandez makes contact, but he can only lift over the crossbar from close range. It was another poor decision from Al-Habsi, who came for the ball but got nowhere near it.
End-to-end football at the moment as Wigan raise their tempo once more with Kone attempting to find Di Santo, but the offside flag is raised. It is much more of an even contest as we stand, but United remain 2-0 ahead. Suddenly the home supporters are interested as they raise their volume and lift their side.
GOAL! Wigan Athletic 0-3 Manchester United (Hernandez)
United gain a free kick as Caldwell brings down Rafael outside the penalty area, gaining a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting set piece is taken by Van Persie, his effort hits the wall but it drops to the feet of Hernandez who makes no mistake from close range. That is certainly game over.
The away side continued to put the pressure on Wigan as they pass and probe outside the penalty area. This could get worse in the final 23 minutes of action. Hernandez has a chance for his third as he drifts into the penalty area, but this time the flag is raised and Wigan have some respite with a free kick.
Another half-chance for the away side as Van Persie collects possession before weaving his way into the penalty area, but he just fires his effort over the crossbar. Meanwhile, double change for United as Shinji Kagawa and Chris Smalling replace Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand.
Wigan also make a double change of their own as Caldwell and Di Santo are replaced by Ronnie Stam and Jordi Gomez. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and United are in complete control of this match. You would not bank against more goals in the remaining moments.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Kone whips a high ball into the penalty area, but Rafael just beats Beausejour to possession and the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, the away supporters continue to back their side. They have certainly enjoyed their trip to Wigan this afternoon as they serenade Eric Cantona.
Still United pass and probe with Young finding Van Persie outside the penalty area, but the Dutchman just could not keep hold of the possession. Wigan advance down the other end with Stam, but his effort is blocked by Evans, who has been outstanding this afternoon. Little over 15 minutes of action remaining.
In fairness to Wigan they continue to push forward in search of their opener, but United close the door time and time again. Just a quick note that Manchester City are leading Stoke 3-0 at the Etihad and therefore the gap at the top of the table will remain seven points, bar an extraordinary turnaround in the latter stages.
End-to-end football at the moment as both sides have chances on the counter, but it comes to nothing. Meanwhile, United make their third and final change of the match as Danny Welbeck replaces Young. The England winger has certainly impressed in recent weeks and has terrorised the Wigan defence in this fixture.
Welbeck is straight into the action as he collects a pass from Kagawa before hitting the deck, but the referee waves play on. Replays have shown that the England international had a case for a free kick. If it had been given then the referee would have had no option but to send Boyce from the field. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Wigan continue to pass and probe in the United half with McArthur and McCarthy enjoying plenty of the possession. But as has been the case all afternoon they cannot find that elusive final ball. United threaten on the counter once more with Evra, but his cross is cleared by Beausejour.
Wigan launch an attack on the counter with Kone, but Smalling fouls the striker just outside the penalty area, gaining a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting free kick is taken by Gomez, but his effort is wide of the post. It was not too far away from the Spaniard.
The United supporters continue to make their voices known as we enter the final five minutes of this match. It is going to be another three points for the away side. Wigan enjoy a couple of decent moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the danger is cleared on each occasion. Could United be heading for their second consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League?
Wigan continue to pressure in and around the United penalty area, but they are still unable to test De Gea. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change of the match as Maloney is replaced by Callum McManaman. It is just a case of playing out the final few moments in this match.
You have to admire the way that Wigan continue to play their football despite losing 3-0. However, their afternoon is summed up as defender Figueroa strikes an effort high and wide from outside the penalty box. That cues the home supporters to leave their seats.
GOAL! Wigan Athletic 0-4 Manchester United (Van Persie)
Van Persie has his second of the afternoon as Welbeck squares to the Dutchman and he cannot miss as he fires past the goalkeeper from close range. He has been simply sensational in this match. His two goals will do my Dream Team chances the world of good.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the match. In truth, the three points has been in the bag ever since they scored their second of the afternoon.
Wigan continue to play their football in the final moments of the match. Despite their impressive ability on the ball, they simply have to find a way to win football matches. The news gets worse with Kone on his way to the African Cup of Nations next month.
Wigan Athletic 0-4 Manchester United
So there we have it. United continue their march towards the title with a 4-0 win over Wigan, who have dropped into 17th place in the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more Premier League football tomorrow. Until then!
