United moved top of the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic, irresistable second half display against Wigan Athletic, as goals from Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Wayne Rooney brushed off the physical challenge posed by Chris Hutchings' Latics.
United lost Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea to injuries - concussion and a dead leg respectively - in a bruising first 45 minutes, while Louis Saha was a late withdrawal from the squad after injuring himself in the warm-up.
A patched-up Reds defence saw Gerard Pique and Danny Simpson included alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, and the two youngster turned in outstanding performances.
They were rarely tested sternly by a Wigan side intent on containing United, a gameplan which worked for the first 45 minutes as the visitors managed to keep the Reds largely at arm's length.
Visiting goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was only required to be at his best once in the first half, and that came in clawing away a header from his own defender, Salomon Olembe, who inadvertently diverted Carlos Tevez’s cross goalwards.
In the ensuing melee, Ronaldo was denied a strong shout for a penalty, as he was seemingly wrestled to the ground by Michael Brown. Referee Mike Riley quickly waved away the claims, however, much to the chagrin of the Portuguese winger.
After 20 minutes Nemanja Vidic, who had earlier been dazed by a clash with Marcus Bent, needed to leave the field of play. After a lengthy touchline discussion with Sir Alex, Carlos Queiroz
Manchester United have moved to the top of the table after beating Wigan Athletic 4–0 today. The goals came from Carlos Tévez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in the second half.

United lost Nemanja Vidić to a concussion and John O'Shea to a dead leg in first half. Louis Saha injured himself in the warm-up. A patched-up Reds defence saw Gerard Piqué and Danny Simpson included alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra.