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Manchester United 5-0 Wigan Athletic
Match Reports, 22:03, December 30, 2009 ,
A scintillating performance from Manchester United ensured they kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea.
The 5-0 scoreline was entirely justified by the manner in which United played, although it looked unlikely until the opening goal just before the half hour mark. United had numerous chances to score, leaving Wigan hanging on desperately at times in defence, but it was left to Wayne Rooney to open the scoring with a deft finish at the near post following good work from Rafael Da Silva.
Conceding a goal seemed to knock the confidence of the Wigan players and United had to wait just four more minutes to add their second of the game, with Michael Carrick stroking the ball into the bottom corner after a pinpoint pass from the majestic Antonio Valencia, who put in a truly match-winning performance. Rafael added another goal before the break, showing great determination to take full advantage of some sloppy Wigan defending.
It was defensive lapses in concentration that led to another United goal early in the second half. Hendry Thomas slipped in a dangerous position, allowing Dimitar Berbatov, who looked lively until being substituted later in the half, to finish with impressive composure. Valencia scored United's final goal of the game, with Rooney providing the assist, to cap a very impressive performance from the champions.