Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic: Player grades

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Manchester United eased to a 2-0 victory against a Wigan team that did try hard. David Moyes wins his first piece of silverware since 2002 in his first competitive match of his Old Trafford career.

Robin van Persie struck early in the 7th minute and again near the hour mark to give the Red Devils the win.Wigan did look threatening at times but new signing Grant Holt was left lonely up front and Wigan just did not get enough chances, though new signing James McClean looked impressive in places.

Manchester United

David de Gea BHad a quiet match, with most of the action on the other end of the field.

Rafael B-He was quick and looked bright but was forced out after just 15 minutes with injury.

Phil Jones B+He moved to right-back after Rafael went off and had an interesting contest with McClean, and was solid at the back.

Nemanja Vidic AThe captain was excellent against the strikers- Holt in the first half and Fortune later in the game.

Patrice Evra AHe was excellent going forward, delivering a sublime cross for RvP’s opener. He was threatening all through the match and performed his defensive duties as well.

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Tom Cleverley BCleverley linked up well with Zaha and Welbeck, behind van Persie. Pretty decent overall.

Michael Carrick B+Tidy and calm, as always. The epitome of understated efficiency.Ryan Giggs BCalmly went about things and with Zaha and Welbeck, he left the Latics chasing shadows. Went off for Anderson in the second half.

Wilfried Zaha A-He gave Stephen Crainey a tough time with his quick feet and creativity, but gave away the ball on a couple of occasions and was indecisive. With the raw speed and dribbling that he possesses, he could be one to watch out for this season.

Robin van Persie A+Opened the scoring with a brilliantly directed header early on in the game. Scored his second with a powerful, albeit deflected effort in the second half. World class.

Danny Welbeck AAlmost scored in the first half off Zaha’s cross. Great work rate.

Wigan Athletic

Scott Carson BBeaten by a superb header by van Persie in the first half, but was unlucky to have conceded the second because of a deflection. Great save off Welbeck in the first half to keep Wigan in the contest.

Emmerson Boyce CHe was average at the back, one of the many players rooted to their spots during van Persie’s first goal.

James Perch CThe only difference between his performance and that of Boyce was that Perch deflected RvP’s shot into his own net.

Leon Barnett B-Had a difficult game, dealing with the movement of the United attack.Stephen Crainey CHad a tough time against the quick Zaha. Was unimpressive going forward as well.James McCarthy B-He hardly had any impact… not a performance that validates his 20 million asking price.

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Ben Watson BOne of Wigan’s best players of the afternoon. Tried hard, but couldn’t break down the defence.

James McArthur C-Booked in the second half and did nothing of real significance.

Shaun Maloney BWorked hard and looked classy at times, but failed to hurt the defence. Decent.

Grant Holt B-The Norwich legend looked isolated up front. Not a performance of great significance.

James McClean BLooked threatening and was perhaps the best Wigan player of the afternoon. Fluffed a good chance to set up Holt though.

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Edited by Staff Editor