Latics nightmare at Theatre of Dreams

Alex Buttner fires home United's 3rd

Wigan Athletic’s poor run of form at Old Trafford continued as Roberto Martinez’s side were beaten 4-0 by Manchester United after a second half to forget.

United had the chance to make the best possible start, when they won a penalty inside the first 4 minutes; Ali Al Habsi harshly adjudged to have brought down Danny Welbeck. Javier Hernandez, though, saw his spot kick saved by the Omani and justice was done.

After that early flurry from the home side, Wigan got themselves into the game, enjoying spells of possession and creating a couple of great chances. Ivan Ramis saw his header go just wide from Shaun Maloney’s free-kick, while Emmerson Boyce’s toe-poked shot also went wide.

The best chance of the half though fell to Arouna Kone, when Jean Beausejour’s cross dribbled its way to the Ivorian, but with the goal beckoning, he fluffed his chance and it remained goalless.

Wigan were on top in the game and could have done without half time, but they started the second half in similar fashion, closing United down and winning all the second balls.

When United did get infront it was the home side attacking on the break, as Nani’s cross was parried to the feet of Paul Scholes who fired it into the roof of the net against the run of play.

The goal predictably lifted the home side and 10 minutes later, they doubled their lead, when Alexander Buttner’s cross-shot was deflected past Al Habsi off Hernandez.

Moments later full-back Buttner himself ran half the length of the pitch, riding three or four tired challenges down the left hand side, to fire home and make it 3-0.

Another debutant Nick Powell made it 4-0 with a curling strike from the edge of the box to give the scoreline a lop-sided look and Wigan were well beaten.

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