Man United 4 Wigan 0: Sir Alex pleased with second-half display
Man United 4 Wigan 0: Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side took their time to find their stride as they sealed a comfortable win
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his Manchester United side were made to work hard for their victory over Wigan, despite eventually sealing a four-goal win.
Paul Scholes, making his 700th appearance for United, gave the Red Devils the lead in the 51st minute after Javier Hernandez had missed a controversial fifth-minute penalty at Old Trafford.
Hernandez then made amends for his spurned spot-kick attempt when he was on hand to finish from close range in the 63rd minute, before debutant Alexander Buttner somehow found a way past Ali Al-Habsi to make it three.
Summer signing Nick Powell then capped off an impressive display from Ferguson’s men as the climbed up to second in the table, just a point behind leaders Chelsea.
“We had to start all over again after the missed penalty,” Ferguson told BBC Sport. “They slowed the game down a lot, but we weren’t playing at the speed we play at.
“The second half we did after becoming more aggressive and played some penetrating football. Wigan play a system which is difficult to play against. It is a good result.
“We always remember Paul Scholes as someone who arrives late in the box. But his role has changed over the years, playing a holding role.
“Buttner was rash at times but he has great enthusiasm and he is a great finisher. He had a good goal scoring record in Holland but overall it is a good debut.”
