The Story Continues
A Football Manager Career by K3V0
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K3V0
Last Updated at 11:36 GMT
The Scot was named as Ferguson's successor in May, but only officially took the reigns at Old Trafford a week ago.
The former Everton boss says he's settling in well within his new surroundings, the 50 year old stating that senior players like Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have helped him settle in since he took over last Monday.
"I'm feeling more and more at home with each day that passes, I'm settling in and enjoying every minute of this experience at a fantastic club. This is going to be the biggest challenge I've ever come across in football, but I'm as ready as I could possibly be and you can't say no to Manchester United, I mean this is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Moyes.
"The senior lads have helped me settle in quicker, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra in particular, they've been fantastic, I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of players to help me." added the new Manchester United manager.
Manchester United begin their pre-season preparations this Saturday when they host last years UEFA Champions League winners FC Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. The Red Devils will then play local side Bury before embarking on a two game tour of the United States of America before finishing their pre-season schedule when they face Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
David Moyes will take charge of his first competitive fixture when United take on Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield final at Wembley. The champions will then get their title defence underway against Stoke City at Old Trafford six days later.
Charlie M
Good luck with this.
K3V0
Thanks bud.
Dan
K3V0
Thanks pal.
K3V0
Last Updated at 13:20 GMT
Büttner, 24, made five league appearances for United last season after making a £3.5 million switch from Dutch side Vitesse.
Büttner made 107 league appearances for Vitesse scoring on 10 occasions during a four year spell at the club.
The Dutch defender is again expected to provide backup this season for French international Patrice Evra who is entering the last year of his contract at Old Trafford and the 24 year old will be keen to impress when the opportunity arises.
K3V0
Last Updated at 16:48 GMT
Rafael impressed many last season during the clubs UEFA Champions League clashes with Real Madrid as he limited the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo during their fixtures at the Bernabéu and Old Trafford, although the Portuguese captain did score in both games, his goal at Old Trafford sealing a 3-2 win on aggregate for the La Liga side.
The Brazilian made 28 league appearances last season for United as they claimed another league title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford and the defender is widely regarded as the Red Devils first choice right back when fit.
Rafael has been at Old Trafford since January 2008 after completing a transfer alongside twin brother Fabio from Brazilian side Fluminense. The defender has since gone on to make 80 Barclays Premier League appearances for United.
The 23 year old currently has three years remaining on his £50,000 a week contract at Old Trafford.
K3V0
Last Updated at 14:10 GMT
"I've read the reports about Juventus wanting to come and take Rafael and I'm not surprised by that," said Moyes.
"All I can say though is the lad is a Manchester United player and it'll remain that way, he isn't for sale and won't be sold, that's my position on the matter. He's still a young player and has a lot of improving within him but he's already a fantastic player and we're very happy to have a player of Rafael's calibre at this club," added the Manchester United boss.
Rafael has made 80 league appearances for United
The Brazilian made 28 league appearances last season for United as they claimed another league title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford and the defender is widely regarded as the Red Devils first choice right back when fit.
Rafael has been at Old Trafford since January 2008 and has made 80 Barclays Premier League appearances for the club.
The 23 year old currently has three years remaining on his £50,000 a week contract at Old Trafford.
K3V0
Last Updated at 18:29 GMT
Speculation had been rife that the England international would look to leave Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson left the striker out of his match day squad to face Swansea City in his final home game as Manchester United boss. Following a 2-1 victory, which was sealed by a late Rio Ferdinand goal, the Red Devils boss revealed that Rooney had asked to leave, however today the striker released a short statement on his official twitter account insisting he's happy at Old Trafford.
"I would like to publicly address recent speculation that has surfaced linking me with a transfer away from Old Trafford. I'm happy at the club and believe the club is the best environment for me to achieve my goals not only at a domestic level but also internationally with England. I don't want to leave Manchester United and am not seeking to leave Manchester United."
Rooney, 27, has made 278 Barclays Premier League appearances scoring 141 times in his nine seasons at Old Trafford.
Rooney has been capped by England on 83 occasions and is just 14 goals away from breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's all time record of 49 goals having scored 36 times for the Three Lions since making his debut against Australia back in 2003.
The striker has two years remaining on his £180,000 a week contract and it's now expected that the board at Old Trafford will attempt to negotiate a new deal to ensure he remains at the club for the remainder of his career.
Dan
K3V0
Aren't many better right backs around though so I'll probably keep him for at least the first season.
K3V0
Last Updated at 17:00 GMT
Full Time from Old Trafford
A brace from substitute Danny Welbeck 20 minutes from time then heaped further misery on Pep Guardiola's side who had Brazilian defender Rafinha sent off just before the half time interval after he received two yellow cards.
The opening goal came from a corner as Ferdinand directed a fine header beyond Manuel Neuer who had pulled off a stunning fingertip save just moments earlier to deny United winger Ashley Young. Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Young picked out Cleverley on the edge of the area and the 24 year old made no mistake as he blasted a low effort threw the crowd of players and past a helpless Neuer who had no time to react after being left unsighted.
As the first half ticked away the German side began to settle more but their chances of mounting a comeback took a severe blow a minute before half time when Rafinha was sent off for a second bookable offence, the Brazilian international booked for tripping United striker Robin van Persie in an incident that looked identical to the one that saw him booked earlier.
David Moyes reacts during United's 4-0 triumph
Guardiola's side looked intent on reducing the deficit early in the second half as Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Thiago all tested United shot stopper David De Gea from distance. In the end though there was no breakthrough for the Bayern fans to celebrate and things only got worse in the last 20 minutes as substitute Danny Welbeck came off the bench to score a brace.
The strikers first goal was opportunistic as he tapped home a loose ball inside the six yard box after Neuer and Phillip Lahm had failed to deal sufficiently with a cross from Antonio Valencia. Welbeck then got his second two minutes later when his shot took a wicked deflection off David Alaba which sent the ball the opposite side of Neuer who could do little more than watch as the ball rolled into the back of the net on a disastrous trip to Manchester for the Bavarian club.
The impressive result will provide Moyes with a huge boost ahead of his first pre-season tour as United manager, the Scot no doubt still finding his feet after replacing the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. The reigning Barclays Premier League champions get their title defence underway next month against Stoke City at Old Trafford.
Match Statistics
Shots: Manchester United 15-10 FC Bayern Munich
On Target: Manchester United 9-5 FC Bayern Munich
Corners: Manchester United 11-10 FC Bayern Munich
Fouls: Manchester United 9-11 FC Bayern Munich
Yellow Cards: Manchester United 1-2 FC Bayern Munich
Red Cards: Manchester United 0-1 FC Bayern Munich
Possession: Manchester United 55%-45% FC Bayern Munich
K3V0
Last Updated at 15:52 GMT
Evra, 32, could cost the Italian side around £8 million, although many journalists in Britain believe the French international won't be keen to leave Manchester United, a club he's been at since leaving French side AS Monaco in January 2006.
Should the defender leave Old Trafford however he would probably adapt easily in Turin, after all the 32 year old is multilingual and can speak French, English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Korean. The defender has made 241 Barclays Premier League appearances for United. The 32 year old has won the Barclays Premier League five times during his Old Trafford career and was a part of the side that beat Chelsea in Moscow in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final.
Evra has been capped 49 times by France and is likely to make his 50 appearance if fit next month against Cyprus in a friendly at the Stade des Alpes. The 32 year old made his debut for France back in 2004 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
K3V0
Last Updated at 21:04 GMT
Full Time from Gigg Lane
Just three days after their dominating display at Old Trafford against last seasons UEFA Champions League winners FC Bayern Munich the Red Devils visited Bury and nobody left disappointed as David Moyes team produced another fine performance.
In truth this game was always expected to be a one sided affair and there was no surprises when Danny Welbeck fired the visitors into the lead after just nine minutes. The visitors had their second seven minutes later when Andy Procter was forced to head a Wayne Rooney cross past his own goalkeeper. There was little respite for the hosts as United went searching for more goals and Welbeck was unfortunate to be denied his fourth pre-season goal when he struck the crossbar. Just moments later Jonny Evans had an effort cleared off the line and Fabio was denied at point blank range by Bury keeper Brian Jensen.
United finally got their third of the game deep into first half stoppage time as Ryan Giggs, who this season became a player coach under new manager David Moyes, raced clear of the Bury defence before sliding the ball between the legs of Jensen.
The hosts did get one back in the second half when Tope Obadeyi unleashed an unstoppable strike from outside the area that left United keeper Anders Lindegaard with no chance. In the end United restored their three goal advantage as Rooney tapped in a low cross from Shinji Kagawa just four minutes later. The United squad will now prepare to depart tomorrow for their two game tour of the United States of America where they'll play Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union.
United will then face Belgian side Royal Antwerp away from home in their final pre-season clash before contesting the Community Shield final at Wembley against last seasons FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic next month. The Barclays Premier League champions will start their title defence on the opening day of the season at Old Trafford against Stoke City.
Match Statistics
Shots: Bury 6-18 Manchester United
On Target: Bury 2-8 Manchester United
Corners: Bury 1-16 Manchester United
Fouls: Bury 11-5 Manchester United
Yellow Cards: Bury 3-0 Manchester United
Red Cards: Bury 0-0 Manchester United
Possession: Bury 35%-55% Manchester United
K3V0
Last Updated at 20:40 GMT
Reports suggest the defender has been handed a £20,000 a week pay rise by manager David Moyes who wants to make sure Rafael feels valued at Old Trafford after speculation this summer linked him with a £25 million move to Italian side Juventus.
An announcement confirming the contract extension was placed on the official Manchester United website earlier.
"Manchester United is delighted to announce that Rafael has signed a one year contract extension which will keep him at the club until June 2017. The 23 year old has become a key member of the first team squad at Old Trafford and has already won the Barclays Premier League three times whilst making 80 league appearances since his arrival back in January 2008."
The Brazilian made 28 league appearances last season for United as they claimed another league title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford and the defender is widely regarded as the Red Devils first choice right back when fit.
Rafael has been at Old Trafford since January 2008 and has made 80 Barclays Premier League appearances for the club.
K3V0
Last Updated at 23:49 GMT
Full Time from Toyota Park
There wasn't an empty seat inside Toyota Park as the Major League Soccer side entertained one of the biggest clubs on the planet and the visitors didn't disappoint as stars such as Nemanja Vidić, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick, Shinji Kagawa, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney all travelled to Chicago and featured during the pre-season clash.
The only goal of the game came 17 minutes into the first half as van Persie curled a fine effort with his right foot into the top corner. The visitors could have scored more but were wasteful in attack, Mexican international Javier Hernández in particular guilty of missing chances he'll be expected to do better with once United begin their Barclays Premier League campaign.
The reigning Barclays Premier League champions begin their title defence at home on the opening day of the campaign as they take on Stoke City at Old Trafford in a game new manager David Moyes will be desperate to pick up all three points.
Before facing the Potters the United boss will see his side play two more pre-season games against Philadelphia Union and Royal Antwerp before facing last seasons FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic at Wembley in the Community Shield final.
Match Statistics
Shots: Chicago Fire 2-18 Manchester United
On Target: Chicago Fire 0-17 Manchester United
Corners: Chicago Fire 2-10 Manchester United
Fouls: Chicago Fire 11-3 Manchester United
Yellow Cards: Chicago Fire 0-0 Manchester United
Red Cards: Chicago Fire 0-0 Manchester United
Possession: Chicago Fire 44%-56% Manchester United
K3V0
Last Updated at 15:54 GMT
"Leaving this club isn't easy and I'm leaving hoping that one day, if I prove myself of course, I can end up back here. In saying that I'm excited about the opportunity that awaits me at Crystal Palace and hopefully I can prove to Ian Holloway that I deserve to be playing, although that's going to be tough as the club have two very experienced goalkeepers."
David Moyes wished the 23 year old all the best for the future in a statement on the official Manchester United website.
"Ben Amos is a good lad, a hardworking player and I wish him all the best for the future. He's been patient here at Old Trafford for awhile now and you've got to respect the fact that he wants to play first team football on a more regular basis. Unfortunately for Ben I couldn't make any promises because we've two fantastic goalkeepers in David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard, so when Ian Holloway asked about his availability it was only fair to discuss things with Ben."
The 23 year old made a single appearance for the Red Devils in the Barclays Premier League when he started in a 2-0 win over Stoke City at Old Trafford on 31 January 2012, the young goalkeeper keeping a clean sheet on his debut.
K3V0
Last Updated at 14:10 GMT
Reports are suggesting that new Manchester United manager David Moyes sees the Saints teenager as a long term replacement for the experienced Patrice Evra, although should any possible transfer cost the Red Devils the reported £20 million fee it's believed Moyes will look to sell either Alexander Büttner or Fabio, if not both, to help fund the deal for the 18 year old.
Southampton and Manchester United both refused to comment on the speculation when contacted by BBC Sport.
The players representatives also declined to comment about the speculation when contacted and would only say that the teenager was happy at Southampton and was only concentrating on preparing for the new Barclays Premier League season.
K3V0
Last Updated at 23:17 GMT
Full Time from PPL Park
No doubt the star of this two game tour has been Dutch international striker Robin van Persie who netted the winner at Toyota Park and scored hat-trick tonight, the 29 year old showing how composed he can be by converting two penalty kicks.
United skipper Nemanja Vidić who featured in both games was delighted after recording back to back wins on the tour.
"Winning both games on tour is a good achievement and something we don't take for granted," said the United captain.
"I'm delighted we've kept two clean sheets during the tour and also scored a few goals. Now we must return home and prepare for our last pre-season game before the Community Shield final against Wigan Athletic which will test us a lot I'm sure. This season will be difficult in every game and we must start the season well," added Vidić.
All the goals came in the opening half at PPL Park with Rio Ferdinand the other player to score on the night. The reigning Barclays Premier League champions will now return to Manchester and prepare for their final pre-season clash against Belgian side Royal Antwerp next Saturday before contesting the Community Shield final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley.
Match Statistics
Shots: Philadelphia Union 1-21 Manchester United
On Target: Philadelphia Union 0-13 Manchester United
Corners: Philadelphia Union 0-13 Manchester United
Fouls: Philadelphia Union 16-7 Manchester United
Yellow Cards: Philadelphia Union 0-0 Manchester United
Red Cards: Philadelphia Union 0-0 Manchester United
Possession: Philadelphia Union 41%-59% Manchester United
K3V0
Last Updated at 14:10 GMT
"Robin is a fantastic player, absolutely world class and he's hungry to win trophies which is fantastic news for Manchester United. If you need a goal you want a player like him in your team, not just to score goals because he is a sensational player who can create things out of nothing for other players in the side," said the new Manchester United manager.
"My job is quite easy at times with the likes of Robin, Wayne, Danny and Chicharito available up front, I mean anyone of those four would demand a starting spot at practically every other club in the Premier League," added Moyes.
The Dutchman, who has netted 35 times in 76 appearances for his country, joined Manchester United last summer from rivals Arsenal in a £24 million deal that left the Gunners fans distraught as they yet again lost a key player. The striker ultimately went on to spearhead United's successful charge towards another Barclays Premier League title and won the Barclays Premier League golden boot for a second consecutive season after scoring 26 times in 38 Barclays Premier League appearances.
The 29 year old currently has two years remaining on his £180,000 a week contract at Old Trafford.
K3V0
Last Updated at 12:34 GMT
The duo have both been at the club since 2006 and have both won the Barclays Premier League on five occasions.
They both played every minute of the 2008 UEFA Champions League final in Moscow as United beat Chelsea.
Carrick, 32, arrived at Old Trafford in July 2006 from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that cost Sir Alex Ferguson a reported fee of £14 million and the experienced midfielder, who has been capped 30 times by England, has gone on to make 216 Barclays Premier League appearances for the club scoring 15 times in his seven seasons in Manchester.
The pair have both signed new two year deals
Vidić, 31, was a £7 million purchase in January 2006, the former Serbian international leaving Spartak Moscow for Manchester United and despite some difficulties early on in his Old Trafford career he eventually became an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson's defence alongside Rio Ferdinand, later becoming captain following Gary Neville's retirement.
The dominant centre back has gone on to make 186 Barclays Premier League appearances for the club scoring 15 times.
Some sources suggest Carrick and Vidić will be paid £90,000 and £130,000 a week respectively.
K3V0
Last Updated at 16:42 GMT
"We can retain the Premier League title this season, no doubt about that, not at all, certainly not in my mind," said Evra.
"It's true we've got a new manager for the first time in over 20 years and that will take time to come to terms with, although in saying that look at our pre-season results, we've hit the ground running and confidence is high. We've got fantastic players, fantastic fans and a fantastic manager who will be successful at this club," added the Manchester United vice captain.
Evra, 32, was linked earlier in the summer with a move to Italian side Juventus and whilst no bid has been made speculation continues to surface linking the Frenchman with a move away from Old Trafford, speculation Evra instantly dismissed.
The defender has been a Manchester United player since January 2006, the 32 year old leaving French side AS Monaco in a £5.5 million deal. Evra's current contract expires next summer and so far there has been no communication about an extension with new manager David Moyes, although the French international has said he's not worrying about next summer.
"It's true my contract expires next summer and you may think I'm worried about that, but I'm not because all I'm thinking about now is preparing for the new season and proving myself on the pitch to the new manager. If I do that then I have a good chance of staying at this fantastic club, so far though there have been no contract talks," said the 32 year old.
Evra has made 240 Barclays Premier League appearances for the Red Devils scoring six times, the vice captain scoring four times last season as he made 34 league appearances as he won his fifth Barclays Premier League title with United.
K3V0
Last Updated at 22:08 GMT
Full Time from Bosuil
There is a feeling amongst many that Moyes has told the players at United that everybody has a fresh slate since his arrival and that nobody is ensured a spot in the side that will take on the Latics at Wembley, a tactic that has ensured top performances from almost everybody during a pre-season campaign that has been arguably the clubs best ever.
Belgian side Royal Antwerp were the latest side to suffer as the Red Devils ran riot in Bosuil.
The rout begun when Danny Welbeck netted his fourth goal of the pre-season campaign when he headed home a Jesse Lingard cross. It was soon 2-0 as Welbeck turned provider for left back Alexander Büttner who smashed a low effort beyond Alain Cauwenbergh's reach. The hosts managed to control the damage until just before half time as Sir Alex Ferguson's final signing Wilfried Zaha made it 3-0 with a tidy move following a superb pass from Phil Jones.
In the second half the visitors wasted no time in getting their fourth as Chris Smalling powerfully headed home Lingard's free kick. Once again the hosts managed to control the damage for awhile, although the introduction of Japanese international Shinji Kagawa with 27 minutes to go signalled another collapse as the 24 year old scored a brace to make it 6-0.
Match Statistics
Shots: Royal Antwerp 0-29 Manchester United
On Target: Royal Antwerp 0-15 Manchester United
Corners: Royal Antwerp 0-7 Manchester United
Fouls: Royal Antwerp 10-4 Manchester United
Yellow Cards: Royal Antwerp 0-0 Manchester United
Red Cards: Royal Antwerp 0-0 Manchester United
Possession: Royal Antwerp 32%-68% Manchester United
K3V0
Last Updated at 17:22 GMT
Despite the fine pre-season form individually and collectively the 34 year old has warned his team-mates not to believe things will always be as smooth as they prepare to defend their Barclays Premier League title under new manager David Moyes.
"We've had a very good pre-season it has to be said and I think everybody will take a lot of confidence from that. The result against Bayern really kickstarted everything and we were fantastic throughout pre-season scoring a lot of goals and only conceding the one. It's probably the best pre-season I've been a part of in my time at the club," said a pleased Ferdinand.
"In saying that we've got a long season ahead of us and we've got to remain focused on the next game, take it game by game and ensure we're taking nothing for granted because I'm sure we'll be targeted in every game. I mean you won't win every game and it won't always be as smooth as we've had it during our pre-season. We start just like everybody else on the opening day and we've got to earn every single point this season," added the experienced defender.
Ferdinand retired from international football during the summer and had been capped 81 times by England scoring three times. The 34 year old signed a one year contract extension at the end of May which will keep him at Old Trafford until next June, the former West Ham United and Leeds United defender reportedly earning £110,000 a week.
K3V0
Last Updated at 12:12 GMT
Zaha will wear the number 29 this season at Old Trafford but revealed he wouldn't mind taking the now vacant number 7 if new manager David Moyes doesn't mind, the 20 year old not afraid of the added pressure that wearing such a number will no doubt bring, instead the England international believes it could inspire him like it did with Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I'd love to wear the same number as famous players like Eric Cantona, David Beckham and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm not afraid of that challenge, in fact I'd enjoy it. I know people will say I'm young and the pressure wouldn't be good, I understand that and can see the concern, but you've got the other side of that and can say Cristiano Ronaldo was inspired after Sir Alex Ferguson handed him that number, in a way saying I trust in your ability, you're good enough," said Zaha.
"Obviously that'll be a decision for another day and the manager will make that call. Over the next five seasons I plan to make a big impact at Old Trafford. Hopefully I can work hard, force my way into the first team and then begin winning trophies. I mean in the end that's why I came here because I want to be the best and win as much as possible. One day I can hopefully be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo and that's something to work towards over the next few seasons," added the 20 year old.
Zaha cost the reigning Barclays Premier League champions a reported £10 million transfer fee rising to £15 million should certain performance related clauses be met. The winger signed a five year deal which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2018. The winger appeared in all five of the clubs recent pre-season fixtures and could be in line to make his competitive United debut on Sunday when the Red Devils take on Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield final at Wembley.
K3V0
Last Updated at 14:35 GMT
This Sunday it's expected that United will have to much for the Latics who suffered relegation last season just days after overcoming Manchester City in the FA Cup final, although some are hoping the Latics can repeat their Wembley heroics.
United midfielder Tom Cleverley, who scored four times in 25 Barclays Premier League appearances for the Latics when on loan back in 2010-2011, however insists he and his team-mates will respect their opponents on Sunday at Wembley.
"We'll respect Wigan on Sunday just as we respect every team we play, no matter what league they're in," said Cleverley.
"Personally I've a lot to thank the club for after the opportunity they gave me a few seasons ago. I mean it was a massive help for me to get experience in the Premier League and it really helped me become a better player, which basically prepared me for first team football at Old Trafford the following season," added the England international.
Cleverley has gone on to make 32 Barclays Premier League appearances for Manchester United since returning from his loan spell at the DW Stadium and he has also become an England international, something he's extremely proud of.
"It was a huge thing for me to get my first England cap, a dream come true and I'm just thankful I've been able to pick up a few more since my debut. I'm extremely proud of representing my country and there isn't a better feeling in football in my opinion, maybe scoring for your country, I wouldn't know though because I haven't done that yet," joked the 23 year old.
The midfielder currently has two seasons remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and has already in the past voiced his desire to sign a long term contract, although the 23 year old admits he must earn any new deal on the pitch this season.
"I'd love to commit my long term future to the club and hopefully that's something my representatives can work out with the club when the time is right to discuss it. Playing at Old Trafford is something special and I don't want to leave a fantastic club like Manchester United. I know I'll need to earn any new contract on the pitch this season," said Cleverley.
The Community Shield final between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic at Wembley this Sunday is sold out.
Dan
K3V0
Thanks Dan, appreciate the kind words.
Pre-season has been fantastic, that win over Bayern really kicked things off with a bang!!
Might be a break in updates tonight with the United game on.
K3V0
Last Updated at 17:23 GMT
Full Time from Wembley
The Red Devils were firm favourites to beat the Latics and in the end had to much for Owen Coyle's brave side, the Sky Bet Championship side unable to repeat their FA Cup final heroics on this warm summers day at Wembley.
The less fancied Latics did however start brightly and registered the first shot on target after eight minutes as Republic of Ireland international Andrew Keogh, a £975,000 summer signing from Millwall, almost caught David De Gea out with a smart chip from the edge of the area, the Spaniard scrambling back towards his line to tip the effort over his crossbar.
Nemanja Vidić and Robin van Persie celebrate
United responded a few minutes later and would have been ahead had Robin van Persie's free kick been centimetres lower, the Dutch striker clipping Scott Carson's crossbar with his effort after Ryan Shotton had tripped Rooney. The Latics keeper was then forced to deny Rafael from close range with a smart save after the Brazilian tried his luck from a tight angle, a clever exchange of passes from Antonio Valencia and Tom Cleverly creating the opportunity for the United defender.
Just moments later the deadlock was broken as Rooney reacted fastest inside the area to poke home from only a few yards after Carson had failed to keep a hold of van Persie's long range strike, the pair celebrating together as the United fans inside Wembley celebrated the first competitive goal scored under new manager David Moyes.
The Latics began to struggle after conceding and had Carson to thank on the half hour mark as he produced a fingertip save to deny Cleverly who thought he had scored with his right footed volley as it flew towards the top corner.
In fairness to the less fancied Sky Bet Championship side they went down with a fight and they could have been on level terms nine minutes before the half time break had midfielder Chris McCann directed his header either side of De Gea.
That miss proved costly as United made it 2-0 minutes later as van Persie's corner was eventually bundled home by Jonny Evans after Carson had initially done well to deny Nemanja Vidić from close range. The result was then put beyond any doubt as Rooney scored his second on the stroke of half time, the striker turning Shotton easily before placing his effort to the right of Carson who furiously berated his defender as Rooney was joined in celebrating by his United team-mates.
Manchester United beat the Latics 4-1 at Wembley
The opening period of the second half passed by without incident to note, the sting taken out of the contest by United's quick double before the break. On the hour mark Moyes made his first substitution in a competitive game as the new United boss as he handed Adnan Januzaj his first team debut when he replaced England international Tom Cleverley.
United begin their Barclays Premier League title defence next weekend against Stoke City at Old Trafford and will be sweating over the fitness of van Persie during the week after he was forced off with an ankle injury following a tangle with Leon Barnett 24 minutes from the end. With victory ensured heading into the final few minutes Moyes handed two more debuts to Jesse Lingard and Wilfried Zaha respectively, the latter setting up Rooney for his third of the game deep into injury time after defender Ryan Shotton had scored nothing more than a consolation goal for the Latics moments earlier.
Match Statistics
Shots: Manchester United 17-10 Wigan Athletic
On Target: Manchester United 13-5 Wigan Athletic
Corners: Manchester United 7-6 Wigan Athletic
Fouls: Manchester United 9-10 Wigan Athletic
Yellow Cards: Manchester United 0-0 Wigan Athletic
Red Cards: Manchester United 0-0 Wigan Athletic
Possession: Manchester United 53%-47% Wigan Athletic
Dan