Preview: United v Wigan
Date, time and coverage: Saturday 15 September, 15:00 BST kick-off. Follow it live on ManUtd.com with text and radio commentary.
Form guide: Prior to the international break, Manchester United overcame the odds to record a dramatic comeback victory over Southampton, thanks mainly to a Robin van Persie hat-trick. That win left the Reds with six points from a possible nine in the Barclays Premier League, having earlier lost to Everton on the opening night of the season. Wigan Athletic have made a solid start to the new campaign, earning four points from their three matches, most recently drawing 2-2 with Stoke City at the DW Stadium. The Latics have a poor record at Old Trafford, however, having lost every one of their seven previous games.
Last meeting: United’s eight-point lead in the title race was cut to five as Wigan climbed out of the relegation zone with a shock 1-0 win at the DW Stadium in April. Shaun Maloney’s fine 20-yard finish gave the Latics an early second-half lead – one which the Reds uncharacteristically failed to overturn.
Ins and outs: Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa both picked up minor injuries on international duty and Wayne Rooney continues to recover from his gashed leg. Danny Welbeck and Chicharito could be handed starts, while David de Gea will hope to reclaim his place between the posts, having been replaced by Anders Lindegaard against Southampton. Phil Jones is definitely unavailable following surgery on a knee injury sustained in training. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has been blessed with a healthy start to the campaign, with just two players – Jean Beausejour and Antolin Alcaraz – doubtful for Saturday's fixture.
Opposition boss: Having steered Wigan clear of relegation throughout his three seasons in charge, Roberto Martinez is a manager in demand. Despite working on a near-shoestring budget, the Spaniard has defiantly stuck to his principles, instructing his team to play with flair and verve. As a result, the former Latics player has been linked with "bigger" jobs and held talks with Liverpool over the summer, but opted instead to continue his fine work at the DW Stadium.
Star man: Ali Al Habsi is braced for a busy afternoon at Old Trafford, knowing his side have conceded 24 goals during their seven previous visits. The Oman goalkeeper is in fine form, though, and rescued his side a point during the recent draw with Stoke, earning high praise from his manager. “Since he arrived at the DW Stadium he has become a bit of a hero,” Martinez said. “The best compliment you can say is we don’t get surprised. Ali keeps producing at this level.”
Quote/unquote: "The last seven visits to Old Trafford have been a real uphill task for us; 24 goals conceded and one goal scored, from the penalty spot, tells its own story." – Roberto Martinez
Sub-plots: Antonio Valencia remains a cult hero for most Wigan fans and should be warmly received by the Latics’ travelling support, following the Ecuadorian’s three-year spell at the DW Stadium prior to his dream move to United. Saturday’s match could also see Paul Scholes make his 700th Reds appearance, should he feature at any point.