Analysis: Wigan Athletic 0 Manchester United 4

Premier League, Tuesday 1^st January 2013

This was a supreme performance from Manchester United as they strolled to victory over a tired Wigan Athletic. Two goals apiece from Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez secured the win, but the confidence and ease of the performance will have most pleased Sir Alex Ferguson. Here’s some brief analysis from the game:

Moving into gear

Despite eventual serenity, United started this match on the backfoot playing very deep. As a result of this positioning, the Reds struggled to keep possession or threaten Wigan. Halfway through the first half United moved up the pitch, to great effect, and as a result scored two goals before half-time.

Tom Cleverley injected an energy and drive into the midfield that pushed Wigan back as a result of pressure. As United pressed more and pinned Wigan back, their opponents themselves struggled to keep the ball in dangerous areas, and from that point on United looked comfortable. This was a stark reminder of the importance of pressing and positioning on the field of play.

Foundations are important

Believe it or not, in this game Wigan actually ended up with more possession than Manchester United overall. This was largely irrelevant however, due to United’s superb defence. The back four is the foundation of a team, and when that bit is got right then other bits begin to fall into place. No team has ever won a Premier League title without a solid defensive line.

In this game, the assurance and solidity at the back shown by the excellent returning Rafael, the calm Rio Ferdinand, the commanding Jonny Evans, and the marauding Patrice Evra, gave United the basis on which to push on and score goals. The Reds have had no problem scoring goals this season, and with more defensive strength as was shown against Wigan, United will not concede too many either, a desirable combination.

Going Forward

Manchester United can be proud of their Christmastime exploits, gaining ten points from an available twelve. A big squad has meant injuries have caused little disruption, whilst some excellent individual performances from van Persie, Carrick, Evra, and Evans over the four games should be praised. After an upcoming FA Cup tie United will look to continue their good league form at home to mighty foes Liverpool.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: De Gea-6, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-8, Evans-8, Evra-8, Young-7, Carrick-7, Cleverley-7, Giggs-7, van Persie-9*, Hernandez-8

(Kagawa-6, Smalling-5, Welbeck-7)

*Man of the match