Report: Wigan 0 United 4

The second goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of Wigan after the restart with United assuming complete control. Despite dominating, Hernandez was wayward with a couple of ambitious shots and the hosts thought they had pulled one back completely against the run of play when Arouna Kone finished off a Franco Di Santo centre from an offside position.

The scare prompted an instant response with Young's inviting cross teasing Al-Habsi out of his goal but Hernandez could only nudge it over a gaping net under some pressure. However, the predatory Mexican was not to be denied as he soon notched his sixth goal in six games against the Latics.

Van Persie's free-kick deflected off the wall and into the path of Chicharito, who sharply despatched an unstoppable shot past Al-Habsi with textbook technique. Turning on the style, van Persie powered his way through to sweep just over the top as it became a question of how many goals the Reds could net against deflated opponents.

Sir Alex decided to hand Chris Smalling and Shinji Kagawa a run-out at the expense of the flawless Rio Ferdinand and Carrick before Danny Welbeck replaced Young. The changes in personnel seemed to affect United's rhythm and Smalling caused a nervous moment with a back-pass before being booked for a foul on Kone.