Manchester United moved two points closer to the top of the Premier League table with a hard fought 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Wednesday.

It was a typical performance for this season from United as they struggled to stamp their authority on the match. The hosts took the lead in the opening minute itself as Cristiano Ronaldo raced down the right flank to cross the ball for Wayne Rooney to slot in from close range.

Rooney limped off the field soon afterwards with a hamstring injury and his replacement Carlos Tevez should have had doubled the lead in the 25th minute when he raced past the Wigan defense but a heavy first touch to beat keeper Chris Kirkland cleared the danger for the visitors.

Wigan's first real chance in the match came in the 41st minute when Ryan Taylor found himself in possession inside the United penalty area but his shot flew well wide of the target. The visitors failed to step up the pressure in the second half.

Edwin Van der Sar pulled off a good save to deny Maynor Figueroawhile Antonio Valencia saw his shot fly inches wide of the target. With time running out Wigan tried to force the tempo but the United defense held on to claim all three points from the tie.