United never looked troubled on a day when a Robin Van Persie brace earned them the Shield. Their slick passing and solid defensive showing would have pleased Moyes who has come under question in the media for his lack of summer signings.
Van Persie's early header got United off to a strong start. |
One of the early talking points was Moyes' decision to play the youngster Wilfried Zaha. Zaha had a busy game, getting involved where possible and playing direct attacking football, one cross in particular nearly led to United's second.
As the first half progressed Wigan began to grow into the game and just after the half an hour mark had a good opportunity to draw level. Chris Smalling was beaten by a bouncer over the top and James McClean should have done better with a shot across goal to play in Grant Holt.
Wigan continued to press and had a good chance from a Ben Watson free kick. The cross drifted in to the far post where Emmerson Boyce's header back across goal was slightly too high for leaping defender Leon Barnett.
After the interval Wigan emerged as they had left at the end of the first half. Their play was encouraging for new manager Owen Coyle with play focused down the flanks. However, the first chance of note fell on Tom Cleverly who fluffed a shot wide from the edge of the area.
Despite Wigan continuing to play fluid football it was Van Persie who struck the killer blow. A nicely worked move culminated in a Welbeck pass to Van Persie, his low shot taking a deflection off of James Perch, carrying it past an unlucky Scott Carson in the Wigan goal.
The second goal seemed to knock the life out of Wigan with the game going through a flat spell. One man who got a rousing reception on his substitution was Ryan Giggs who, at 39 years young, produced yet another fantastic display. Wigan had one final chance of note when Roger Espinoza shot a half volley wide.
The game seemed to lack tempo as it neared the end and it gave Moyes a chance to show some fresh blood in the youngster Adnan Januzaj, who had impressed in pre-season. Januzaj showed his ability on the left, finding some room and sending a deflected cross over the top of everybody.
Moyes lifts his first silverware at United. |
Moyes will be pleased to have got off to a winning start after a rocky pre-season, but more importantly he will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet. Michael Carrick winning the McDonalds Man of the Match epitomises the type of game that was played and Moyes will now turn his attention to more serious matters in the form of Swansea next weekend.
One trophy down, thirty-seven more to go to catch up with his predecessor.
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