Reds' Statistics Stat Their Resounding Win Over Wigan

Manchester United's win over Wigan Athletic was an indicative example that statistics and score lines do not always tell the complete story of an entire match.

Fabio Celebrates His First Goal

The Reds triumphed to their biggest away win of the season, but it could have been very different if the Lactics had the clinical finishers that United possess in their squad.

One of the season's greatest mysteries is how United is performing so poorly away from Old Trafford, which is leaving the supporters baffled and giving Sir Alex Ferguson grayer hair.

It has been nearly a year since United has scored at least four goals away from Old Trafford, so it was a welcomed sight for the traveling supporters, but the fact that it was two defenders had the standout performances speaks loudly.

It took two monstrous performances from both Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic to secure United fourth victory and just as many shutouts.

Stars
The ageless wonder that is van der Sar, pulled three top-class saves out of the top drawer to deny Wigan certain goals and each of them as impressive as the next.

With Victor Moses bearing down on goal, van der Sar made himself as large as he could coming off his line, which is how he was able to pull off the one-on-one save, and that is something that both Tomasz Kuszczak and Anders Lindergaard need to learn from the retiring shot-stopper.

His next save was just as good, because of the way, he instinctively scurried the length of the goal to get out and block Ben Watson a certain goal from five yards out.

The last of his three notable saves, van der Sar pulled off a flying effort to keep out Maynor Figueroa's left-footed thunderbolt, which was shades of his save against United's last 4-0 win away from Old Trafford, because it was destined for the back of the net against a lesser goalkeeper.

Although, VDS pulled off three great saves, his performance even took a back seat to Vidic's powerful, commanding performance against Wigan.

There are not many better central defenders than the big Serbian, and Vidic showed that he not only has the strength to handle opposing forwards, but also the quickness and nimbleness as well.

Hugo Rodallega is a very underrated center forward because he consistently challenges opposing defenders for both strength and pace, which is why it is always entertaining to see him and Vidic do battle against each another.

Vidic showed his commitment and desire to wear the red shirt by making countless interceptions defending both crosses and corners, but unfortunately it does not seem that that attitude is felt throughout the team.

Disappointing
Wayne Rooney scored a goal and added a perfectly placed assist to Chicharito that gave United the breathing room and spurred them on to the victory, but it is what he did in the opening minutes of the game that was completely selfish.

With the ball up the field in Wigan's half of the field, Rooney needlessly threw a forearm to the back of James McCarthy's head, which should have seen him earn and early shower if the referee saw it.

If the Mark Clattenburg, who people say gifted United a goal at Old Trafford in their 2-0 victory over Spurs, did see it, and there is a debate whether he did or not, because he blew his whistle to stop the play to assess the situation.

The real problem is that Rooney, who continues to look like he is just going through the motions, selfishly allowed his emotions to get the best of him, which could have made a dent in United's title hopes.

Class
Thankfully though, Sir Alex has two other classy, willing forwards that want to contribute to the United cause.

Chicharito was voted January's player of the month on ManUtd.com, but he has barely been given a look during the last month, and he is still as happy as ever.

His two goals, which come coincidently on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 38th birthday, showed that Chicharito is more than capable of handling a starting role in tough games.

Dimitar Berbatov, who is the Premier League's leading goal scorer with 19 goals, was reduced to a substitute appearance against Wigan, but he still had the chance to put his stamp on the game.

Darron Gibson spot his run and put the Bulgarian clean through on goal, but instead of going for goal himself, Berbatov teed up Rooney to tap the ball in for his fifth league goal of the season.

That right there shows that Berbatov is less concerned about himself or any personal accolade, the Premier League's Golden Boot in particular, and would rather achieve a team goal, which is rare thing this day and age.

The four-nil result against Wigan Athletic, as unfair as it may have been, should give Manchester United the confidence that they will need to get their 19 top flight title.