Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United
FA Community Shield – Sunday 11th August, 2013 (14:00 KO BST) – Wembley Stadium (90,000)
The Teams
United
David Moyes ahead of the annual curtain raiser: “I will be trying to make this the first trophy of many. But, if we win, it’s really something that will have been earned by Sir Alex. I’ll do my best to finish off the job but it’s Sir Alex who will deserve a lot of the credit if we’re successful at Wembley.”
Rio Ferdinand will not feature after testimonial exploits on Friday. Wayne Rooney is likely to miss out with his current conveniently-timed injury. ‘Shoulder’ this time. David de Gea, after featuring in only one pre-season game thus far, should start after a finger injury. Otherwise, Darren Fletcher remains absent, as does Nick Powell who is recovering from a back operation, while Jonny Evans is currently rated as touch-and-go and limping off vs AIK.
After an indifferent pre-season results-wise, and with 47,000 reds expected to be in attendance, Moyes will be keen to make the Community Shield the first trophy (of many) of his Manchester United managerial reign. Team selection will be much better gauged after Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial on Friday night.
Predicted line-up: De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Zaha, Carrick, Cleverley, Welbeck, Giggs, van Persie
Wigan
Summer signing James Perch on facing David Moyes’ Manchester United: “I’m sure he and his team aren’t going to want to pass the Community Shield by, they’re going to want to win it as much as we do. They’re a very good side and they’re not going to just take this as a friendly game and certainly neither are we.”
Following relegation from the Premier League, and the exit of Roberto Martinez to Everton, Wigan have experienced some wholesale changes over the summer. Owen Coyle has come in as manager and made no fewer than 10 signings, the latest of which being exciting Irish winger, James McClean, who should earn his first start at Wembley. New two-million-pound striker, Grant Holt, who scored on his debut at the weekend, will lead the line. The new-look Latics started the season well, winning 4-0 away at Barnsley on the opening day of their Championship campaign.
Predicted line-up: Carson, Crainey, Perch, Barnett, Boyce, McArthur, Watson, McCarthy, Maloney, McClean, Holt
Officials
Referee: Mark Clattenburg. “I’m hoping that the Community Shield will be a really good spectacle for everyone because it sets the standard for the season ahead.”
Assistants: Mike Mullarkey and Scott Ledger.
Fourth Official: Michael Oliver.
Previous meetings (all PL)
Wigan 0-4 United (01-01-13), United 4-0 Wigan (15-09-12), Wigan 1-0 United (11-04-12), United 5-0 Wigan (26-12-11), Wigan 0-4 United (26-02-11)
Notes
The Shield is presented in partnership with The FA’s Community partner McDonald’s following previous sponsors One2One, AXA, Littlewoods and General Motors.
It will be the first time the two clubs have met at the new Wembley. The 2006 League Final (United winning 4-0) was played at the Millennium Stadium.
Javier Hernandez has 6 goals in 6 appearances vs Wigan.
This will be United’s 30th appearance in the Charity/(Community) Shield. The Reds have won 10, drawn 11 and lost 8 of all previous matches.
United have an overall Wembley win percentage of 38.64%, winning 17 off 44 matches played there.
Score prediction: Wigan 1-2 United
4 replies on “Match Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United (Community Shield)”
I am a united fan,nd well know that united will win wigan 0 man u 3.
well the season might not start until next week but I think Moyes will be all out to win this and anything else will not be tolerated. the united players will be well motivated to be seriously on their game in this or else.It all starts here, life after Sir alex , come on lads pull your finger out and get stuck in GO UNITED UNITED UNITED!
Man u wil beat wigan 3 0 with Rvp scoring 2, utd fan kenya
lam a fan of manutd, we are winning wigan 2-0 by God grace. Let the ball roll.