Moss Lane, 3 September 2009
MANCHESTER UNITED 2
Anderson 38, Eikrem 48
WIGAN ATHLETIC 1
Cwyka 17 (pen)
The Reds' perfect start to the 2009/10 continued on Thursday, with a hard-fought victory over Wigan Athletic.
Despite falling behind early on through a Latics penalty, United roared back to take the three points through goals from Anderson and Magnus Eikrem.
The Brazilian midfielder shone all evening, completing 90 minutes and linking the midfield and attack with distinction, while club captain Gary Neville also notched a full run-out in the centre of defence.
The England international was rarely troubled as United dominated proceedings, and only some wonderful saves from Latics goalkeeper Lee Nicholls kept the score respectable.
From the off, United were on top - only for the visitors to take the lead when Cameron Stewart felled Tomasz Cywka inside the area. The Polish livewire dusted himself down and clinically sent Ben Amos the wrong way from the spot.
Undeterred, the Reds continued to make all the running. Sam Hewson was only fractionally away from turning in Eikrem's centre, before the Norwegian drew a fine low save from Nicholls.
The Latics 'keeper was helpless shortly afterwards, however, when Anderson accepted an infield ball from Febian Brandy, fashioned space for himself with a clever body-swerve to bypass two defenders, and then lashed a powerful shot inside Nicholls' near post.
Stewart almost had United ahead before the break, but could only skew his effort wide after a delightful one-two with Matty James.
Parity's end was in sight, however, and the Reds needed just three minutes of the second half to establish a telling lead.
Anderson was again involved, releasing half-time substitute Josh King down the left flank, and the Norwegian youngster showed terrific trickery to free himself from his marker before crossing for Eikrem to sidefoot home.
While United dominated for large spells thereon, Wigan's Callum McManaman twice came close to levelling matters; firstly with a hooked effort which James Chester superbly headed over his own crossbar, then with a long-range belter which thudded against Amos' woodwork.
Moments earlier, King had headed Anderson's cross against the Wigan bar from deep inside the six yard box, while Nicholls performed a quite stunning save to keep out a close-range header from Hewson.
The visiting goalkeeper then thwarted Brandy at close quarters, and was at full length to turn James' effort round the post. While those spurned chances made for nervous watching, Eikrem's goal ultimately proved enough to maintain the Reds' 100 percent start to the new campaign.
United: Amos; Fabio, Neville, Chester, Dudgeon; Stewart (King, 46), Eikrem (Norwood, 72), Anderson, James, Hewson; Brandy (Gill 88).
Subs not used: Devlin, Wootton.
Report by Steve Bartram, Manutd.com
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