MANCHESTER UNITED 2, WIGAN ATHLETIC 0.
Robin van Persie provided the flashes of inspiration which earned David Moyes his first piece of silverware as manager of Manchester United after only 42 days in charge at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman scored both goals as the Reds defeated Wigan Athletic at Wembley in The FA Community Shield.
A rather humdrum pre-season showcase ended with van Persie being the pivotal figure as Moyes’ men won at a canter and without having to extend themselves them against the FA Cup winners who are now plying their trade in the Sky Bet Championship.
Moyes paid tribute to van Persie, both as a player and person.
He said: “I am sure you have seen the video of the opening goal again and it was a great header.
“It was an angled header brilliantly guided into the corner from 16 yards.
“He is brilliant to work with, helpful and receptive. He is so important to us and we will have to look after him.”
Moyes, who reaffirmed that Wayne Rooney is not for sale despite the player’s apparent desire to leave the club.
And the new manager dedicated his first trophy to Sir Alex Ferguson saying it was his team which won the Barclays Premier League.
David De Gea and Tom Cleverley were the only two starters which kicked off on Friday in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial.
It was all change as Moyes brought back his big guns and fielded a starting line up which is likely to open their Barclays Premier League campaign at Swansea on Saturday.
United made the perfect start taking the lead in the sixth minute with a goal which began and ended with van Persie.
The striker sprayed a pass to attacking left-back Patrice Evra who provided the cross which van Persie headed home from well out low to the left of keeper Scott Carson.
Carson made an excellent stop to deny Danny Welbeck towards the end of a half of rare moments of excitement to se the pulse racing.
United sealed victory on the hour when van Persie struck again after another incisive, passing move.
It ended with van Persie cutting inside and walloping a shot which took a wicked deflection off Ben Watson to leave Carson wrong footed.
Substitute Antonio Valencia had a chance to score a third goal, but saw his shot deflected for a corner.
The only dampener for United was an injury right-back Rafael sustained early in the game which forced him to limp off.