THERE WAS LITTLE to fault about Manchester United as they cruised to a 4-0 win over Wigan at the DW Stadium on New Year’s Day.

The day after his 71st birthday, manager Alex Ferguson was most impressed by the ruthless streak shown by his side.

With Wigan dominant in possession and creating the best of early chances, United took the lead through a 35th minute Javier Hernandez goal and followed up with a crucial second from Robin van Persie just eight minutes later.

“They’re a difficult team to play against especially at their own ground, so 4-0 is a pretty emphatic result for us.” Ferguson told BBC Sport.

“I thought at times we played really, really well.

“Actually, the game started very slowly, but once we got momentum going with a few corner kicks, eventually we got the first goal. And the good part was we chased the second one right away.”

Van Persie and Hernandez would each double their tally in the second half, giving United three points to ensure their seven-point lead at the Premier League’s summit would not be eroded.

Naturally, the Scot had nothing but praise for his strike partnership, saying:

“Well, the boy (Hernandez) is a goalscorer, there’s no question about that. He’s a penalty box player. Van Persie’s ability to play and score goals… like, the first goal he scored today was absolutely magnificent.”

United’s league position and form of their two strikers in Wayne Rooney’s absence will ensure Ferguson is not forced into any manner of panic-buying as the January transfer window opens and the Scot all but ruled out making any signings this month.

“If we’re going to get a player it would need to be a player who is going to play in Europe. And that’s gone because all the top players are either in Europe or have played in Europe.”

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