A double from Robin Van Persie ensured a trophy-winning start to David Moyes reign as Manchester United manager, as the Premier League champions beat FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic 2-0 in the Community Shield at Wembley.
The victory provided a welcome distraction to the off-field activity that has over-shadowed the first six weeks of the Scot’s life at Old Trafford, and is the twentieth time that United have lifted the trophy.
The clubs top scorer from last season took just six minutes to get on the score-sheet, heading in from Patrice Evra’s cross.
United’s Championship opponents impressed in spells, but were unable to stop Van Persie doubling their advantage just shy of the hour mark.
Moyes dedicated the victory to Sir Alex Ferguson, before saying that he has been impressed by new arrival Wilfred Zaha in preseason.
The 20 year old picked up a minor knock during the game and was taken off with half an hour left to play, so may not be risked by England manager Roy Hodgson in Wednesday’s friendly against Scotland.
He and seven other United players are in line to feature at Wembley, including Wayne Rooney, who was absent from Sunday afternoons victory at the national stadium.