Ronaldo the hero for Red Devils

FT Manchester United 3 Wigan Athletic 1

Cristiano Ronaldo emerged from the bench to spark a second-half triumph as Manchester United surged four points clear at the Premiership summit.

After a goalless opening period, Ronaldo put the Red Devils in front with his first touch after being introduced as a half-time substitute, nodding home Paul Scholes’ corner 69 seconds after the re-start.

The Portugal winger then blasted home the rebound after Chris Kirkland had saved his penalty before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lashed home a third just before the hour mark.

Any lingering doubt this was not going to be Rooney’s day came 11 minutes from time when he found himself profiting from good work from Ronaldo and Park 10 yards out, only to scoop his shot on to the bar.

Cotterill drilled a shot narrowly wide as Wigan continued their search for a consolation, although Josip Skoko did not come close with a mis-hit effort that never came close to testing Van der Sar.

The elusive goal finally arrived in stoppage time when Silvestre fouled David Wright in the box and Baines smashed home the penalty.