Manchester United 4-0 Wigan: 6 Things We Learned

Max TowleAnalyst ISeptember 15, 2012

Manchester United 4-0 Wigan: 6 Things We Learned

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    Saturday's fixture proved a tale of two halves at Old Trafford, as Manchester United scored four in the second period to beat a wilting Wigan side.

    Goals from Paul Scholes and Javier Hernandez set United on their way, before the debuting Alex Buttner and Nick Powell sealed the deal.

    Sir Alex's side will be pleased with the result, their first comfortable win of the season so far.

    Here are 6 things we learned from the thrashing.

Sir Alex Prepared for Galatasaray

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    In what was surely a precautionary measure ahead of the midweek Champions League opener with Turkish side Galatasaray, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rested several of his key players against Wigan.

    Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie both found themselves on the United bench for Saturday's game, having picked up minor niggles during the recent International break.

    Perhaps the most surprising decision made by Fergie was to rest the flying Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia as well, with Nani taking his place on the right wing.

    All set for Wednesday?

Patrice Evra's Position at United in Doubt

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    Never mind that his absence may have been due to injury. Patrice Evra's omission from the United team to face Wigan may be a sign of his role being reduced to back-up behind the impressive Alex Buttner.

    The Frenchman looked on at Old Trafford stony-faced as his replacement huffed and puffed to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful.

    Unless he improves dramatically upon returning to the team, Evra's days as United's number one full-back may well be numbered.

Hernandez and Welbeck Not There Yet

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    Despite looking impressive in patches, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck both showed Saturday that they have a little way to go yet before they're considered top class attacking options for United.

    Hernandez and Welbeck squandered chances at certain points in the game, with the former having his penalty saved, and the latter squandering a number of good opportunities in the first half.

    Whilst neither should be ruled out as good options for Sir Alex in the near future, there is still room for development for two of United's premier young players.

Full-Backs Still the Weak Links Defensively

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    Both Rafael and Alex Buttner looked far from safe defensively against Wigan, with the Latics regularly getting into promising positions on the United flanks.

    Whilst you could forgive Buttner his defensive lapses considering this was his Premier League debut, the Brazilian Rafael still looks shaky when faced with pacy, tricky wingers on his side of the defence.

    Unless both improve, the Red Devils have little chance of keeping a good defensive record this season, which was an issue that plagued them at times last season.

    Make no mistake though: both are United's first choice pairing in the full-back positions. Like Welbeck and Hernandez, they must be given time to grow.

A Day for Debuts

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    With marquee signings Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie having already impressed so far this season, today was a chance for the more unheralded newcomers to the United team to make their mark.

    Both Alex Buttner and Nick Powell scored on their debuts, their goals just reward for their promising performances.

    Whilst Buttner's style of football is that which automatically captures the hearts of fans, special praise must be given to attacking midfielder Nick Powell, who looked mature beyond his years in the brief time given to him by Fergie.

    He is surely the "New Scholes," or perhaps that should be the "New Old Scholes."

United on a Roll?

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    As United fans will be well aware, it is always a dangerous sign when the Red Devils get a Premier League season off to a flyer.

    Last season, their early 8-2 and 5-0 wins pre-empted an underwhelming Winter period that had an adverse effect on their later title chase.

    This season's early wins have a slightly different feel about them.

    They have come, not as a result of excellent displays, but due to clinical finishing when the time comes.

    For Sir Alex knows full well, the test of real champions is in winning when you're not rolling at full steam.

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