Manchester United goes 4-points clear

On target: Manchester United's Mexican striker Javier Hernandez celebrates scoring the opening goal, leaving Wigan's Omani goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi on his knees. Source: AFP

With none of its title rivals playing, United had the chance to move clear and secured a crucial three points.

The opener arrived after just 17-minutes when Mexican ace Javier Hernandez clipped the ball home at the near post with consummate ease after being found by Nani.

Wigan was very much still in the game with 16 minutes left, but then United stepped up a gear and claimed three goals.

Hernandez added his second as he controlled a long ball to find Wayne Rooney, who played a one-two and sent the young striker clear to side-foot home with great aplomb.

Rooney then got in on the act as he tapped home into an empty net after substitute Dimitar Berbatov squared the ball for him.

The win was sealed by another substitute, Fabio, as he fired home from close-range as Wigan failed to deal with a Darren Fletcher cross.

United has now played the same games as its rivals, but now has four more points than second-place Arsenal.

With Arsenal and Chelsea not in Premier League action this weekend, and with Manchester City playing on Sunday, United will be more than happy with their work at the DW Stadium.

Wigan now finds itself second from bottom in the league, as Wolves moved off the foot of the table with a 4-0 win over Blackpool.

Meanwhile, Bolton could have moved into sixth with a victory but it drew 1-1 with 10-man Newcastle at St James' Park.

Aston Villa moved five-points clear of the relegation zone courtesy of a 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers, which drops to 14th position.

Finally, Everton moved into the top-half of the table after a 2-0 win over Sunderland at Goodison Park.