Hernandez 77

Manchester United won another game without reaching top form, overcoming a Wigan side who matched them until two of their players received merited red cards in the second half.

United laboured in the opening 45 minutes, with the Latics’ Charles N’Zogbia providing the main attacking threat.

N’Zogbia forced a fine block from United keeper Edwin Van der Sar after a driving run through four defensive challenges.

While United only had Nani’s deflected shot, well-saved by Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi, to show for their first-half efforts, until left-back Patrice Evra headed home Park Ji-Sung’s cross on the stroke of half-time.

And hopes of a Latics comeback were dashed by two minutes of disciplinary madness.

Antolin Alcaraz received a second caution on 59 minutes for a rash challenge on Darren Fletcher, having been cautioned for a cynical hack at Gabriel Obertan on the half-hour mark.

And striker Hugo Rodallega got a straight red card for a two-footed leap at United right-back Rafael da Silva.

Despite the generally well-received introduction of substitute Wayne Rooney, United failed to take full advantage of their numerical superiority.

And they added only one more goal, Javier Hernandez’s fine diving header from Rafael’s cross on 77 minutes.