Manchester United 4 v 0 Wigan
Old Trafford, Manchester
14th December 2005
It was the game the Press were hoping we wouldn't see. The game that could spell the end for Fergie, for them. The game that would ultimately make Chelsea Champions. But United clearly hadn't read the script.
Whilst the Press wanted United to go down limply, forget any idea of a Championship chase, and kick Fergie out, United pressed forwards, surging at their attackers, proving them wrong and licking their wounds in the process.
Yes, we have played poorly. Yes, we have a long way to go to win the league. But don't you dare write us off!
If the score-line was unexpected, following their dismal lack of clinical finishing at home, so was the first goal-scorer. Ferdinand, whose galloping style has led to many United fans calling him lazy, and whose concentration lapses have cost us in the past, headed home from a Giggsy corner to break his United duck! The first of many hopefully.
Wigan rarely threatened, and it wasn't long before Rooney had hit the post from a Gary Neville cross. The second came before too much exasperation, with Rooney smashed the ball past Pollitt having ghosted into the box.
A cheeky chip from Rooney put the game beyond doubt, although Rooney wasn't given the chance to finish his hatrick, despite the fact that United won a penalty.
Van Nistelrooy was upended by the keeper, and was never in any doubt as to who was taking it! He smashed it home for a good 4-0 win. It will mean nothing unless we get a consistent run of wins going though.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand (Bardsley 65), Brown, O'Shea, Fletcher, Smith, Scholes (Park 74), Giggs (Ronaldo 70), Rooney, van Nistelrooy.
Subs Not Used: Howard, Saha.
Booked: Ronaldo.
Goals: Ferdinand 30, Rooney 35, 55, van Nistelrooy 70 pen.
