LONDON: Robin van Persie struck twice to earn Manchester United a convincing 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield at a sun-drenched Wembley on Sunday.
The Premier League champions outclassed the surprise FA Cup winners in the traditional English season curtain-raiser to give their new manager David Moyes an early trophy in his reign at Old Trafford.
Van Persie powered home an angled header after six minutes and fired in a deflected shot just before the hour to see off Championship side Wigan who stunned Manchester City to win the Cup before being relegated last season.
“It is always nice to score, especially at Wembley,” the prolific Dutch striker told the crowd. “I am ready glad for everyone.
Moyes will not be carried away at the start of his bid to emulate the glittering United career of his predecessor Alex Ferguson but he had reasons to be pleased after an indifferent pre-season.
Man-of-the-Match Michael Carrick pulled the strings for United in midfield alongside 39-year-old Ryan Giggs and Wigan struggled to retain the ball.
Wigan worked tirelessly to close down United but van Persie’s second goal ended the match as a contest.
Both managers made a raft of substitutions as the hot conditions took their toll and United could have extended their lead in the closing stages.
“I class that as another piece of silverware for Sir Alex,” Moyes told a news conference.
“I was in charge of the team today but it’s a reward for winning the Premier League under Sir Alex last season and I won’t take too much credit for it.” (Reuters)