Manchester United vs. Wigan: Player Ratings in Red Devils' Dominating 4-0 Win

Did anyone really expect Manchester United not to run away with this one?

I did.

Wigan Athletic looked good at the end of last season, avoiding relegation with wins over some top-tier teams, including the lads at Old Trafford. I didn't think this would be a cakewalk for Sir Alex Ferguson and his men.

And for the first 50 minutes, I was right.

The Red Devils looked a little shaky in the first half, with the Latics keeping possession nicely in the midfield. But a score from the ageless Paul Scholes—his first of the season—opened the flood gates and put the hosts ahead 1-0.

Then things got truly out of hand.

Javier Hernandez scored his first goal of the season just 11 minutes later and then newly signed players Alexander Buttner and Nick Powell scored in the 66th and 82nd minutes, respectively.

Manchester United was firing on all cylinders collectively, ending the game with a 4-0 win, but how did the individual players grade out?

Check out how they all graded out, and let me know if you agree!

Goalkeeper

Anders Lindegaard: 7/10

Lindegaard earned his first clean sheet since a contest against Bolton in January of 2012, thanks in part to superb defensive play by centre-backs Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and a midfield that commanded the pitch.

The Dane had very little to do, thanks to Wigan's poor crosses and even worse shots, but still did well to command the box.

Fine display from the best backup 'keeper in the league

Defenders

Rafael: 7/10

Strong play on the right flank.

Like many of United's players, Rafael had very little to do and was able to pace himself well for most of the match. He made great clearances and excellent passes in support of Hernandez at times.

Rio Ferdinand: 8/10

Ferdinand made his 400th appearance in a Red Devils jersey today, so I'm boosting his score a tiny bit for the longevity and loyalty he's shown.

Otherwise, his solid performance at centre-back was a big reason why Lindegaard earned the clean sheet.

Nemanja Vidic: 7.5/10

Vidiv had an excellent first half, pairing well with Ferdinand at centre-back.

Let's see if the Serbian international has anything poor to say to the papers after this performance.

Alexander Buttner: 8.5/10

Buttner came to Manchester United from Vitesse Arnhem of the Dutch Eredivisie and could not have dreamed of a better debut.

He gifted Hernandez his second-half goal with an excellent pass to the Mexican forward in the 63rd minute and was a constant threat down the left flank and was able to put one between the posts, endearing himself to the home crowd at Old Trafford. Except for a clumsy challenge, he was absolutely what the doctor order at left-back.

Jonathan Evans: 7/10

Evans came in for Vidic in the 77th minute. Nothing much of note: He did his job well.

Midfielders

Ryan Giggs: 7.5/10

He was patient all match, played the counterattack well and got several crisp passes in on the night.

Michael Carrick: 7/10

Carrick was all over the pitch, helping whoever needed it. He was only caught napping once but otherwise a vital player in the midfield.

Paul Scholes: 8/10

Along with superb challenges, great passes, disciplined play to stay in the center of the pitch, his goal in the 51st minute truly burst the dam of frustration.

Scholes was the best player in Manchester United's midfield on the night.

Nani: 6.5/10

The only low point on the evening, Nani had a disappointing time in front of goal. The Portuguese winger was given several chances, but he had poor control all night.

Nick Powell: 8/10

Powell came in for Giggs in the 72nd minute and quickly made his presence felt, scoring less than eight minutes after coming off the bench.

Here's hoping Ferguson uses him as a substitute more often.

Forwards

Danny Welbeck: 6.5/10

Like Nani, Welbeck had poor control and made off-target shots when given chances—not the way to endear yourself when given chances over stars like Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

Javier Hernandez: 8/10

Unlike Welbeck, Hernandez earned his spot in the starting lineup this evening, scoring the second goal of the night, in the 63rd minute, and really putting the game out of reach for Wigan Athletic.

Robin van Persie: 7.5/10

If he doesn't get the start over Welbeck next week, my name's Johnny Appleseed.

Van Persie came on in the 72nd minute for Paul Scholes and was immediately a game-changer, assisting on Nick Powell's goal just 11 minutes into his play.

Except for a mishandled ball during injury time, Van Persie displayed great control for the 20 minutes he was out on the pitch.