Scholes Out For 3 Months Due To Injury

Manchester United have suffered a huge blow with the news that Paul Scholes will be out for three months.

The 32-year-old midfielder has been diagnosed with damaged knee ligaments and will have an operation on Thursday.

Scholes picked up the injury in training ahead of the Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev last week.

Fellow midfielder Michael Carrick is also sidelined although Owen Hargreaves has recently returned to the side following knee problems.

Carrick, who dislocated an elbow against Roma earlier this month, is set to return to training this week and could feature against Arsenal on Saturday.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson also expects captain Gary Neville to be back in action soon.

The 32-year-old defender has not played for seven months but is poised to play for the reserves on Thursday.

Scholes played an influential role as United captured the Premier League title last season, although his side have been impressive in his absence so far, beating Dynamo Kiev 4-2 and Middlesbrough 4-1.

The former England midfielder will miss at least 13 Premier League games, including Saturday's visit to Arsenal and the trip to Liverpool on 16 December.

However, he should return in time for the Champions League knockout stage at the end of February.

Hargreaves Glad To Be Back

Injury has ravaged Owen Hargreaves' start to life as a United player, so it's little surprise that he savoured every second of Saturday's win over Middlesbrough.

The England midfielder played 65 minutes of United's 4-1 victory, and turned in another typically combative performance on only his fourth Reds appearance.

"It’s been very stop and start," Owen told MUTV. "You just want to get involved, it’s great to get back in the team and have a game, especially when the game is won.

"I’ve been out for quite some time, so I’m a bit sore, a bit stiff, but those things are part and parcel when you’ve been out. We’ve got a few days before the Arsenal game, so we’ll try and do things right so that I’m fit."

Hargreaves' injury absence has been an unusual one, with recurring knee problems, and he makes no attempt to hide his frustration at being repeatedly sidelined.

"It’s been frustrating because I’ve really had it since the end of last season," he said. "I’ve spoken to a lot of doctors and specialists, and they’ve explained to me that it’s not really a problem with the knee, it’s a structural problem with the biomechanics.

"For some reason my body’s not happy with the way it is, so you need insoles and things to correct that. I’ve been trying to get round it and find the answer because I don’t want to miss any games, I want to be fit for the rest of the season."

Clever Carlos Wins Rooney's Heart

Wayne Rooney heaped praise on strike partner Carlos Tevez after United's summer signing notched twice in the Reds' 4-1 win over Middlesbrough.

Nani and Rooney found the net before half-time before Tevez rocked the visitors with a further two goals in the second half.

"Playing with Carlos is brilliant," Rooney told MUTV. "He's a clever player, very intelligent, and I think we both work well together. We've both been scoring a few goals lately so we're pleased with that."

Rooney and Tevez shone throughout the match, with the crowning moment arriving in the 55th minute when Tevez fired home after collecting a sumptuous return pass from the England international.

"The best way to play football is pass and move and as soon as Carlos gave me the ball I could see him starting his run out of the corner of my eye. He got on the end of my backheel and I'm delighted for him to have scored two today. He's worked very hard over the last two games and he deserves those goals."

Rooney's also been among the goals recently and has scored six in the Reds' last five matches.

"I know it's my job to score goals and I try and score in every game I play. I'm happy with how things are going and I'm hoping that can continue.

"To play in this team is an honour. We're playing fast, attacking football and that's the football I want to be involved in."

Scholes To Go For Second Scan

Paul Scholes will visit a specialist on Monday to ascertain the extent of his knee injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the influential 32-year-old midfielder will not face a long spell on the sidelines.

Scholes picked up the injury as he turned in training at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv the night before United's Group F clash. He had a scan upon his return to Manchester, but the results were inconclusive.

Now a visit to another specialist is required to determine the true nature of the problem.

"The first scan did not clearly show the problem," said Sir Alex. "We’re sending Paul to another specialist on Monday to ascertain what damage, if any, there is. It could be something, it could be nothing.

"Obviously he is out of the Middlesbrough match. It was a strange one, he just felt a click in his knee when he turned in training on Monday.

"Hopefully it’s not going to be a long one, but we’ll know better on Monday."

Super Nani Shines In Red Devils 4-1 Win Over Boro

Wayne Rooney scored one goal and superbly set up another as Manchester United overwhelmed Middlesbrough to move to the top of the Premier League.

United went ahead on three minutes when Nani drove in a cracking shot from 30 yards but Jeremie Aliadiere soon equalised with a precise header.

Nani robbed Stuart Downing and played in Rooney, to smash United's second.

After the break Carlos Tevez slotted in after a sublime Rooney back-heel and he added a fourth with a deflected shot.

United scored four goals in a fourth successive game - the first time in 100 years they have done so.

They knew a win would see them overtake leaders Arsenal - at least until Sunday when the Londoners play Liverpool.

And the hosts, who had Owen Hargreaves in their starting line-up for only the fourth time, wasted no time in setting about their task.

Nani decided to take the direct approach after picking the ball up deep in Boro's half. He skipped two challenges as he cut inside and then launched a dipping shot from 30 yards which beat Mark Schwarzer for height and pace.

It was a dream start for United but a nightmare for Boro, who went into the game desperately short of confidence after failing to win in their previous six matches.

And the visitors still appeared shell-shocked when Tevez broke through the middle but the Argentine did not quite get his attempted lob right and Schwarzer made a comfortable catch.

The script appeared set - a rampant United, with Nani and Ronaldo rampaging down the flanks and Rooney menacing through the middle about to rip through woeful opposition.

But Tuncay clearly felt a re-write was in order and promptly delivered the perfect cross - after turning stand-in left-back John O'Shea inside-out - for Aliadiere to head into the bottom left corner.

It was Aliadiere's first goal for Boro and it served to galvanise them. For the next 10 minutes, Boro held their own as United's early fluency deserted them.

The visitors even missed a great chance to take the lead as frequent threat Tuncay crossed in for Downing to head just wide of the right hand post.

Still, you felt once United smoothed out their now-stuttering approach play, Boro could find themselves in trouble once more.

And so it proved, as Ronaldo went close with a low shot from the left side of the box as United slipped through the gears.

Then Downing tried to trick his way past Nani on the edge of his area but had the ball nicked from his toes and played into the path of Rooney who smashed the ball home.

For the rest of the half, it seemed it was a matter of time before United scored again, particularly through Ronaldo.

But the Portuguese winger could not convert Nani's cross and later side-footed straight at Schwarzer after a slick passing move.

Immediately after the break, Rooney fizzed a drive just too high and wide and once more it seemed United were about to turn the screw.

Middlesbrough might have prevented it had Edwin van der Sar not been equal to Lee Cattermole's rising shot.

But after Rooney produced an exquisite backheel for Tevez to slot the ball into the bottom corner on 55 minutes, the contest was over.

Ronaldo started to stretch his legs again, twisting and turning the Boro defence but not finding a finish to match.

United took off Hargreaves for Darren Fletcher on 66 minutes, and later took the chance to give Rio Ferdinand an extended rest ahead of next Sunday's visit to Arsenal.

It barely affected the pattern of the game, although Boro almost cut United's lead when Downing went close with a curling free-kick.

But instead, Tevez rounded things off for United with 15 minutes to go when his shot looped off Andrew Taylor and beat a disconsolate Schwarzer.

It was the fourth match in succession they had scored four goals - equalling a record which stretched back to 1907.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand (Pique 73), Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Fletcher 66), Anderson (Giggs 78), Nani, Rooney, Tevez.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Simpson.

Goals: Nani 3, Rooney 33, Tevez 55, 85.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Taylor, O'Neil, Cattermole (Boateng 90), Rochemback, Downing, Aliadiere (Hutchinson 56), Sanli (Lee 80).

Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Hines.

Booked: Cattermole, Rochemback.

Goals: Aliadiere 6.

Att: 75,720

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

Nani's incredible strike gives the hosts the lead in just the third minute

The lead doesn't last long as Middlesbrough's Jeremie Aliadiere heads the equaliser just three minutes later

United regain the lead as Wayne Rooney scores for the eighth time in seven games for club and country

The Reds extend their lead with a sublime goal as Carlos Tevez collects Rooney's backheel before slotting home

Tevez scores his second and United's fourth as Sir Alex Ferguson's side move to the top of the Premier League

Scholes Faces Knee Scan

United midfielder Paul Scholes will undergo a scan on a knee injury once United have returned to England, following Tuesday's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv.

“Paul Scholes picked up a knee injury in training," Sir Alex Ferguson revealed in an exclusive interview with MUTV. "He will be scanned when we get home. It’s unfortunate but these things happen."

United's injury woes seemed set to go from bad to worse when Patrice Evra pulled up in the warm-up in Kyiv, but his withdrawal was confirmed to be a precautionary measure.

The French left-back felt a slight calf twinge in the Olympic Stadium and was replaced by Darren Fletcher, and is now facing a race against time to face Arsenal in next weekend's Premier League clash.

Red Devils Hit 4 Past Dynamo Kiev For A Comfortable Victory

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo helped a dominant Manchester United to a comfortable victory at Dynamo Kiev.

Rio Ferdinand opened the scoring when he headed in a Ryan Giggs free-kick from the left before Wayne Rooney tapped in Wes Brown's low cross.

Diogo Rincon reduced the deficit with a header before Ronaldo nodded in United's third.

Ronaldo scored from the spot after Goran Gavrancic handballed before Ismael Bangoura fired in late for Kiev.

Victory gave United their third win from three Champions League games this season but never would Sir Alex Ferguson's side have thought they would achieve the result in such a shockingly easy manner.

Kiev's defence was poor. Actually to be blunt, they were awful for much of the match.

The Ukraine side are taken away to a training camp for a few days before each European tie, but the benefits from that were far from visible on a chilly night at the Olympic Stadium.

They looked disjointed against a United side whose attacking wave of Carlos Tevez, Rooney, Ronaldo and Giggs were a cut above sublime.

And it was the senior member of the quartet, Giggs, who shone the brightest.

The Welshman was on hand to deliver a glorious ball from the left for Ferdinand to power in his first Champions League goal for United early in the first half.

What Giggs was doing down the left, Portugal icon Ronaldo was doing down the right.

Last year's Premiership player of the year played an important part in the second goal when he seized on a misplaced ball on the halfway line and sped down the wing.

Brown, in support, was fed the ball before laying a low pass into the feet of Rooney who tapped in from six yards.

Four, five, six goals? It was anybody's guess as to how many United would score following a rampant 20 minutes.

But their flow was stopped abruptly by a Rincon who powered his header from Carlos Correa's corner.

With the Kiev fans given something to cheer about it was expected the visitors goal would come under severe pressure, but instead United restored their two goal advantage thanks to some more sloppy defending.

Giggs made the most of the free space he was gifted on the left to swing in another perfect cross that Ronaldo, unmarked, headed into the keeper's top right.

Kiev improved ten-fold in the second half and put the visitors under some early pressure with Correa going close with a 25-yard free-kick and their biggest threat, Rincon, heading narrowly wide.

But with the Ukraine outfit employing more men in attack they were becoming increasingly exposed in defence.

A typical United break led to their fourth when Tevez was fed down the right and his cross was handled by Gavrancic.

Referee Viktor Kassai had to consult his linesman to see whether the offence was inside the area before awarding the spot-kick.

With that drama over, Ronaldo coolly stepped up to score his second.

Bangoura's beautifully struck low drive made sure United were kept on their toes for the last few minutes of their victory.

Dynamo Kiev: Shovkovskiy, Ghioane (Belkevich 45), Gavrancic, Diakhate, Gusev, Yussuf, Nesmachniy, Correa (Rotan 83), Bangoura, Rincon, Shatskikh (Milevskiy 45).

Subs Not Used: Rybka, Vashchuk, El Kaddouri, Markovic.

Booked: Diakhate.

Goals: Rincon 33, Bangoura 78.

Man Utd: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 80), Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Anderson, Fletcher, Giggs (Simpson 80), Rooney, Tevez (Nani 72).

Subs Not Used: Pique, Eagles.

Goals: Ferdinand 10, Rooney 18, Ronaldo 41, 68 pen.

Att: 43,000

Ref: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).

Rio Ferdinand's powerful header gives the visitors the lead in the 10th minute

The prolific Wayne Rooney slots home the second goal just eight minutes later as Manchester United dominate in Ukraine

Diogo Rincon reduces the deficit before Cristiano Ronaldo heads home a Ryan Giggs cross as United claim a 3-1 lead

Ronaldo slots away a penalty as Sir Alex Ferguson's side move into a comfortable lead in the 68th minute

Plenty Of Drama At Villa Park

Wayne Rooney struck twice and missed a penalty as Manchester United eased to victory against nine-man Aston Villa.

Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Villa into an early lead, but Rooney's two composed finishes put United in front.

Craig Gardner's own goal gave United a third before half-time, and Nigel Reo-Coker was sent off on the hour.

Keeper Scott Carson followed for a foul on Carlos Tevez, and even though Stuart Taylor saved Rooney's spot-kick, Ryan Giggs added a deflected fourth.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rested Cristiano Ronaldo and gave fellow countryman Nani a place in the starting line-up.

Villa opened brightly and were ahead in the 11th minute when Ashley Young retrieved Gardner's dangerous centre and crossed for Agbonlahor to flick a header beyond Edwin van der Sar.

Tevez and Rooney looked a dangerous combination, and Carson did well to block the Argentine as the pressure mounted.

But it took a lapse of concentration from Villa defender Zat Knight to allow United to draw level after 36 minutes.

Knight inexplicably allowed Nani's cross to drift across the face of goal, and Rooney arrived at the far post to score with a simple side-footed finish.

And Knight was again at fault as Rooney put United in front two minutes before half-time, getting caught out of position as Tevez's clever pass played in the England striker for a composed strike past Carson.

United's ended the first 45 minutes by adding a third, courtesy of a moment of calamity in the Villa rearguard.

Gerard Pique's header was cleared off the line by Young, but when Rio Ferdinand reacted first, Gardner could only lash his attempted clearance into his own net.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill made a double change after 52 minutes in an attempt to revive his side's hopes, sending on Shaun Maloney and Isaiah Osbourne for Gardner and Luke Moore.

But they suffered a blow seven minutes later when Reo-Coker, who had already been booked, was sent off by referee Rob Styles for a late tackle on Anderson.

And matters became worse after 66 minutes when Carson upended Tevez as he looked poised to score, leaving referee Styles with no option other than to show his second red.

Reserve keeper Taylor came on, and made a significant contribution with his first touch, diving to save Rooney's penalty.

Rooney then struck the bar from Wes Brown's cross as United threatened to run riot.

It was in danger of becoming a very messy evening for Villa as United added a fourth with 16 minutes left.

Giggs jinked his way into the Villa penalty area and his shot took two deflections before looping past Taylor.

Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Knight (Taylor 67), Laursen, Bouma, Gardner (Maloney 53), Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Moore (Osbourne 54).

Subs Not Used: Davies, Petrov.

Sent Off: Reo-Coker (60), Carson (66).

Booked: Reo-Coker, Young.

Goals: Agbonlahor 13.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Pique, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Anderson, Scholes (O'Shea 77), Giggs (Ronaldo 76), Tevez (Fletcher 73), Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Simpson.

Booked: Scholes, Nani.

Goals: Rooney 36, 44, Ferdinand 45, Giggs 75.

Att: 42,640

Ref: Rob Styles (Hampshire).

Aston Villa 1-4 Man Utd: Gabriel Agbonlahor (left) gives Villa a dream start by hitting an early goal to Gareth Barry's delight

But United turn the game on its head and Wayne Rooney's second makes it 2-1 before Rio Ferdinand adds a third

Villa keeper Scott Carson is sent off for a foul on Carlos Tevez, but Rooney's hat-trick penalty is saved

Tracklist Of Destination Nowhere -- Erika's 2nd Single

Tracklist of [Destination Nowhere]

1. Destination Nowhere
2. Escape
3. Free (overrocket101007 mix)
4. Destination Nowhere (instrumental)

Release date: 28th Nov 2007

Erika-Web has updated itself with the tracklist of ERIKA's 2nd Single "Destination Nowhere".

There will also be a remix of her 1st single "FREE". Please show your support for Erika by getting the single when it's out.

New Deal With Edwin Van der Sar?

Manchester United are set to open talks with Edwin van der Sar over a new one-year contract extension.

The Dutch goalkeeper has been in excellent form this season, keeping seven successive clean sheets, and United are ready to reward his exemplary contribution. Despite being 36, United believe he can play on until May 2009 before eventually leaving Old Trafford.

Van der Sar, who currently earns around £35,000 a week, will retire from international football with Holland after next summer's Euro Championships. That will free him to focus his attention fully on his commitments to United, who expect England keeper Ben Foster to emerge as his long-term replacement.

Giggs Extends Red Devils Deal

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Ryan Giggs has today extended his contract for a further season until the end of June 2009.

Ryan has 18 major titles to his name including 9 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups and 1 European Cup. He made his United debut at Old Trafford on 2nd March 1991 against Everton and has played 727 matches to date - making him second only to Sir Bobby Charlton (759) in most appearances for the Club - and scored 141 goals.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I am absolutely delighted that Ryan has signed for a further season. Ryan Giggs epitomises the word loyalty, he signed here as a 14-year old school boy and is still with the club 20 years on. Apart from his playing ability he has a fantastic demeanour and is a great role model to the younger players. I am sure he will be at the Club for a long time to come.”

Ryan Giggs said: “I am delighted to have signed for a further season. I am enjoying football more than ever and I hope to carry on playing football for Manchester United for as long as I can. I would like to thank Sir Alex, the fans and everyone at the Club for the great support I have received over the years.”

Manchester United Eye Southend Star

Southend's 16-year-old midfielder Medi Abalimba is to have a trial at the end of this month with Manchester United.

Abalimba, who turned down a host of Premier League clubs to join the Blues in the summer, has attracted attention with his trickery in the youth team.

"They have watched Medi a few times and they like what they have seen.

"They will assess him in training and maybe take him a bit longer so he can play in a game," Southend head of youth Ricky Duncan told the club's website.

"We don't want to lose our players to bigger clubs but we should not stop them experiencing these types of things when they come along.

"It is a learning curve for him, and it is fantastic for us that these sides are interested in what we are doing."

Fixture Changes

The Premier League have announced changes to two of United's December fixtures, including the Reds' highly anticipated clash with Northwest rivals Liverpool.

United were due to welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Saturday 1 December but will now face Lawrie Sanchez's men on Monday 3 December.

Meanwhile, United's visit to Anfield – originally scheduled for Saturday 15 December – has also been rearranged, and will now take place a day later, on Sunday 16 December.

More Honours For Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's brace against Wigan on Saturday was enough to earn him the ManUtd.com Man of the Match accolade.

More than 1000 fans voted in the poll, which saw the Portuguese winger pushed all the way by striker Carlos Tevez, whose tireless performance attracted 34 per cent of the vote. But it was two-goal hero Ronaldo who took home the prize for the second straight league match, with an impressive 41 per cent.

The Reds' no.7 has now scored four goals in his last five appearances, including winners against Sporting Lisbon and Birmingham City.

This latest honour comes on the back of Ronaldo's inclusion in the 2006/07 FIFPRO World XI. The only United player in the side, Ronaldo's place in the midfield alongside Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Kaka (AC Milan) was confirmed on Friday 5 October.

The FIFPRO World XI is voted for by professional footballers around the world.

FIFPro World XI 2006/07
Goalkeeper:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Defenders:
Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
John Terry (Chelsea)
Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

Midfielders:
Cristiano Ronaldo (United)
Kaka (AC Milan)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Forwards:
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Ronaldinho (Barcelona)

Roy Keane Wants United Pair On Loan

Roy Keane aims to bring Manchester United defenders Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson back to Sunderland in the January transfer window.

Both enjoyed a successful spell last season as Keane guided the Black Cats back to the Premier League.

Keane said: "If I thought there was an opportunity to bring Jonny to Sunderland, we would consider it.

"He did brilliantly for the club before, as did Danny, and it would be nice if we thought they'd come back."

Simpson played 13 games in Sunderland's Championship-winning campaign and former Old Trafford hero Keane admitted: "It was a nightmare giving them back as they they'd settled in so well.

"But they were good professionals, hard trainers out on the pitch and ready to put everything in.

"Nothing happens until January anyway. But I know there will be a lot of teams ringing up United after Sir Alex (Ferguson) said the other week that there would be plenty going out on loan.

"His phone will be red hot at this moment in time and whether Jonny will still be there in January I really don't know, but it would be nice if we thought they'd come back."

Jonny Evans played in 18 league games for Sunderland last season,

whereas Danny Simpson played in 13 matches for The Black Cats.

Weakened Wigan Thrashed By Ruthless Red Devils

United moved to the top of the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic, irresistable second half display against Wigan Athletic.

Goals from Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Wayne Rooney after the break brushed off the physical challenge posed by Chris Hutchings' Latics.

United lost Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea to injuries - concussion and a dead leg respectively - in a bruising first 45 minutes, while Louis Saha was a late withdrawal from the squad after injuring himself in the warm-up.

A patched-up Reds defence saw Gerard Pique and Danny Simpson included alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, and the two youngster turned in outstanding performances.

They were rarely tested sternly by a Wigan side intent on containing United, a gameplan which worked for the first 45 minutes as the visitors managed to keep the Reds largely at arm's length.

Visiting goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was only required to be at his best once in the first half, and that came in clawing away a header from his own defender, Salomon Olembe, who inadvertently diverted Carlos Tevez’s cross goalwards.

In the ensuing melee, Ronaldo was denied a strong shout for a penalty, as he was seemingly wrestled to the ground by Michael Brown. Referee Mike Riley quickly waved away the claims, however, much to the chagrin of the Portuguese winger.

After 20 minutes Nemanja Vidic, who had earlier been dazed by a clash with Marcus Bent, needed to leave the field of play. After a lengthy touchline discussion with Sir Alex, Carlos Queiroz and club Doctor Steve McNally, the Serbian was eventually replaced by Anderson, who put in a highly promising show.

John O’Shea took the Vidic's place at centre-back, but the big Irishman was one of three defenders to take a knock in the next few minutes. Patrice Evra took a kick to the face, Pique was limping heavily after having his foot trodden on, while O’Shea had to be replaced by Danny Simpson, after picking up a dead leg.

United then had another decent shout for a penalty, with Brown again involved. The former Fulham midfielder appeared to block Evra’s run into a crowded area, but again the Reds’ appeals were in vain.

Ronaldo saw a long-range shot palmed away by Kirkland, but United found clear chances hard to come by, until the final five minutes of the half. First Rooney saw his shot blocked after a winding run, then Tevez fired over after a superb flowing move.

The second half began as the first had ended - with United well on top. Only the woodwork prevented the hosts from taking the lead, when Giggs volleyed Ronaldo’s half-cleared cross against the crossbar.

Moments later, United finally took the lead. Rio Ferdinand carried the ball out of defence and fed Rooney, whose superb clipped pass freed Anderson.

The Brazilian slipped the ball in turn to Tevez, who calmly held off the attentions of Kilbane and Bramble, circumnavigated Kirkland and lashed home a left-footed shot.

Almost immediately Wigan survived another strong penalty claim, as Scharner slipped and took Evra down with him, before Koumas almost produced an equaliser out of nothing, firing just past the post with a long-range effort.

That close-call with parity was long forgotten after 59 minutes when United doubled their lead. Giggs’ cross was headed towards his own goal by Kilbane and, although Kirkland brilliantly kept the ball out, Ronaldo was on hand to head home the rebound.

The two-goal deficit prompted Latics manager Chris Hutchings to introduce Antonio Valencia, and the substitute almost pulled a goal back with his first touch. It took a fine reaction stop from Kuszczak to keep out the Ecuadorian’s fierce shot, as the Pole sought to prolong United’s long run of league clean sheets.

At the other end, only a saving interception from Kilbane stopped Ronaldo from poking home his second, while Kirkland was alert enough to clutch the loose ball before Tevez could double his own tally.

A third goal was forthcoming shortly afterwards, and it was Ronaldo who was on hand to give United added breathing space. Anderson nicked the ball off the toes of Brown, and Pique strode onto the loose ball before releasing Rooney down the left wing.

The England striker slid an inch-perfect ball into the box, and Ronaldo was on hand to apply an emphatic finish.

Three should have been four straight away but Ronaldo, released by a brilliant pass from Anderson, blazed over the bar from close range when Tevez was an unmarked option in the centre. Wigan were comfortably beaten, offering little by way of resistance to United’s incisive attacking play, and it was no surprise when a fourth goal came.

Simpson was released on the right, and the young full-back swung a teasing cross onto the head of Rooney, who powered the ball into Kirkland’s top corner and registered his second goal in successive games, following Tuesday’s strike against Roma.

Substitute Nani spurned the chance to add a fifth, just mis-timing his pass to release Ronaldo, while Simpson was denied a first senior goal by Kirkland's legs.

But four was enough for United, particularly after a period in which goals had been at such a premium. They would come, Sir Alex had assured the media before the Latics' short trip across the North-West, and he was spectacularly validated.

The dam was always going to burst, and in the end it was Wigan who were left torn to shreds as the tension of United's goal-shy start to the season - and a frustrating first 45 minutes against the Latics - was finally released.

Team line-ups

Manchester United: Kuszczak; Pique, Ferdinand, Vidic (Anderson, 21), Evra; Ronaldo, Scholes, O’Shea (Simpson, 28), Giggs; Rooney, Tevez (Nani, 80)

Subs not used: Heaton, Eagles.

Wigan Athletic: Kirkland; Melchiot (Hall, 51), Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane; Skoko, Brown, Koumas, Scharner, Olembe Valencia, 66), Bent.

Subs not used: Pollitt, Landzaat, Aghahowa.

Attendance: 75,300.

Sir Alex Hopeful On Injuries

Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated that United’s injury situation may not be as bad as first feared despite losing Nemanja Vidic, John O’Shea and Louis Saha through injury against Wigan.

Saha aggravated his knee in the warm-up and was forced to withdraw from the squad after initially being down as a substitute.

Vidic lasted 21 minutes before being replaced by Anderson after receiving a bang to the head, while O’Shea, who temporarily took Vidic’s position in the centre of defence, left the fray eight minutes later with a dead leg.

The additions of Saha, Vidic and O’Shea to United’s seemingly ever-growing injury list, means there are now enough players in the stands to field a complete side. But with the international break now upon us, Sir Alex is hopeful things will be looking up when domestic action resumes on 20 October.

“Louis felt his knee in the warm-up and in Louis’ situation we had to withdraw him unfortunately,” the boss revealed on MUTV.

“Nemanja’s been taken to hospital and he has concussion so they’re giving him some tests. John O’Shea has just got a dead leg. He’ll be OK in a couple of weeks I’m sure.”

The United manager also revealed that both Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves are making good progress with their recovery from leg and knee injuries respectively.

“Hopefully Darren will be back soon,” said Sir Alex. “He starts full training on Monday which is good news.

“I hope Owen Hargreaves will be available in two or three weeks time as well.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, who took an elbow in the eye against Roma in midweek, starts for United

Wigan's Josip Skoko keeps a close eye on Carlos Tevez as the Latics defend doggedly in the opening stages at Old Trafford

United suffer a setback when Nemanja Vidic is forced to come off after a 20th-minute clash of heads with Marcus Bent

The deadlock is broken nine minutes into the second half, when Tevez rounds goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to score

United then completely overwhelm the Latics and Ronaldo heads home their second goal

Worse follows for Wigan when Wayne Rooney finds space on the left and crosses for Ronaldo to make it 3-0

And Rooney completes a resounding United victory by heading in substitute Danny Simpson's right-wing cross

Carrick Injury Blow

Michael Carrick has been ruled out for up to six weeks after fracturing his elbow during the Champions League game against AS Roma on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old picked up the injury in the latter stages of the match, and although he completed the full 90 minutes of United's 1-0 win over the Italians, an x-ray later revealed the full extent of the damage.

A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Michael has sustained a fractured right elbow and will be out for up to six weeks."

News of Carrick's enforced spell on the sidelines comes as a major blow to Sir Alex Ferguson, who earlier this week gave the go-ahead for Owen Hargreaves to have an injection for the tendonitis problem in his knee, which will keep the former Bayern Munich midfielder out for a month.

Darren Fletcher, another potential replacement for Carrick, suffered a minor fracture to his leg on Scotland duty against France last month, and will also be out for much of October.

Sir Alex may now call on Ryan Giggs, Brazilian new-boy Anderson, or John O'Shea to partner Paul Scholes in the centre of the Reds' midfield for Saturday's kick-off against Wigan Athletic.

Also on the sidelines

Edwin van der Sar (toe)
Darren Fletcher (leg)
Owen Hargreaves (knee)
Ji-sung Park (knee)
Ben Foster (knee)
Mikael Silvestre (knee)

Rooney Scores Winner Against Roma

Wayne Rooney's first goal of the season fired Manchester United to victory against Roma at Old Trafford.

There was to be no repeat of the 7-1 drubbing handed out to Roma in April by United in last season's quarter-final.

Chances were at a premium with Cristiano Ronaldo and Francesco Totti restricted to long-range efforts.

Rooney broke the deadlock with a sharp 15-yard finish after he was set up by Nani to leave United three points clear at the top of Group F.

United seem to have a habit of winning 1-0 and once again they failed to hit anything like top form against a resolute Roma outfit.

The entire match was a tactical affair in which United demonstrated plenty of intent but very little of the attacking verve which served them so well last season.

Roma, who were knocked off the top of Serie A on Saturday when they slumped to a 4-1 home defeat to Inter Milan, were content to soak up what United threw at them.

Both sides went into the game with stand-in goalkeepers - but neither was seriously tested with long-distance shots from Francesco Totti and Cristiano Ronaldo causing few alarms.

United - with Louis Saha starting a game for the first time since February - began passing the ball around crisply but Roma quickly smothered the Red Devils with Daniele de Rossi brilliantly screening the visiting defence.

Totti's 30-yard free-kick evaded the wall and Tomasz Kuszczak, in for the injured Edwin van der Sar, needed two attempts to cushion the ball to his chest.

United should have gone ahead on 33 minutes when Nani got round the back of the Roma defence only for a carefree Rooney to volley over from a good position.

That apart, Sir Alex Ferguson will have been disappointed to see his side lacking momentum in wide positions with Ronaldo and Nani dropping deep far too often.

If United were too relaxed in the first period, they immediately threatened at the start of the second when a Ronaldo raid down the right was cleared by a relieved Phillipe Mexes in front of his own goal.

Roma spurned their best chance when Giuly set up Totti, who blazed over the advancing Kuszczak from close range five minutes after the restart.

Alberto Aquilani fired another warning to United moments later when he fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box as the Italians sensed a goal was possible.

United were still struggling to get sufficient men forward with Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick content to sit deep in the crowded midfield and unable to make their mark on proceedings.

Rooney produced a bright moment when he cut inside the left side of the Roma defence before unleashing a powerful low shot which Curci pushed away for a corner.

Carlos Tevez replaced the tiring Saha and United soon had the ball in the net when the Argentine found Ronaldo, who audaciously back-heeled home from an offside position.

Rooney clinched victory 20 minutes from time with an exquisite finish to raise the roof off Old Trafford.

Carrick found Nani and he cleverly played the ball through to Rooney who turned outside and found the net off the inside of the far post with a crisp 15-yard shot.

Tevez almost made it 2-0 with a sizzling 22-yard effort while Kuszczak did well at the other end to collect a well-struck Simone Perrotta effort.

Roma should have levelled three minutes from time when Totti played the ball back for Mauro Esposito, who carelessly blazed wide from 10 yards with United stretched at the back.

Ferguson said beforehand that he would settle for a 1-0 win. It was not always pretty but it went to script and United are well on their way towards qualifying for the knockout stages.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Nani (Giggs 79), Saha (Tevez 66), Rooney (Anderson 84).

Subs Not Used: Heaton, Pique, Simpson, Eagles.

Goal: Rooney 70.

Roma: Curci, Cicinho, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto, De Rossi, Aquilani (Pizarro 61), Giuly (Esposito 79), Perrotta, Mancini (Vucinic 74), Totti.

Subs Not Used: Bertagnoli, Antunes, Barusso, Brighi.

Booked: Mexes.

Att: 73,652.

Ref: Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez (Spain).

Manchester United 1-0 Roma: Wayne Rooney is challenged by Roma's Daniele De Rossi in the opening minutes at Old Trafford

The Roma defence work hard to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet during a goalless first half

The game looks to be heading for a draw before Rooney fires home his first goal of the season on 70 minutes

Rooney's goal leaves United three points clear at the top of Group F and on course for the knockout stages

Hargreaves Out Of Action Due To Injury

Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out of October's European Championship qualifiers against Estonia and Russia because of a knee injury.

The Manchester United midfielder will be out of action for up to four weeks after having an injection to cure a tendonitis problem.

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "That was an option we had from the very start if it surfaced again.

"He felt it in training so we decided to do something immediately."

Hargreaves was expected to be back in United's squad for Tuesday's Champions League game against AS Roma before the tendonitis problem returned.

The former Bayern Munich player was troubled by the injury at the start of the season and did not play his first game for United until August 19.

And the 26-year-old managed just three games before sustaining a thigh injury in training with England ahead of their game against Israel on September 8.