MANCHESTER UNITED vs WIGAN – REVIEW

Man United 5

Park (8), Berbatov (41, 58, 78), Valencia (75)

Wigan 0

Sir Alex has stated that United have hit top form and top form it was on Boxing Day as they thrashed a 10 man Wigan 5-0.

There were many eyebrows raised when the team sheet was published. United were missing Vidic, Ferdinand, Smalling and Jones at the back. This meant that Carrick would partner Evans at Centre Back. Valencia started at Right Back and Darren Gibson started his first game of the season in midfield. Rooney was on the bench with Berbatov and Hernandez starting upfront.

United scored another early goal with Park Ji Sung getting on the score sheet. Patrice Evra burst into the penalty box dribbling past defenders and making a perfect pass to Park who netted United’s first goal.

At the 39 minute mark Wigan were down to 10 men after Conor Sammon was sent off for a supposed elbow on Carrick. Replays showed that it was it was not a deliberate foul and should have been just a caution rather than a sending off.

United capitalised soon after. Berbatov scored in his second consecetive game and put United 2-0 up just before half time.

Evans was substituted at half time as Ezekiel Fryers came on at Left Back. Patrice Evra shifted to Centre Back. Wigan started the second half with a 3-4-2 formation.

Berbatov added his second on 58 minutes as he turned beautifully to poke the ball into the net.

Wayne Rooney and Federico Macheda came on for Ryan Giggs and Nani.  At 66 minutes Franco Di Santo missed a golden chance to score as he beat Fryers and snatched at the shot and tuned out to be an easy save for Lindegaard.

Valencia scored a wonderful goal at 75 minutes. His thunderous shot beat Al-Habsi who had no chance.

Soon after United were given a penalty as Park was fouled near the penalty area. Berbatov stepped up for his hat-trick and made no mistake.

This was a good result for United as Manchester City could only manage a 0-0 draw against West Brom. The goals also meant United closed in on the goal difference and are now level on points with City.