Wayne Rooney's first-minute effort was enough to give Manchester United victory in a hard-fought north-west derby with Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford.
Dimitar Berbatov set the move going with a superb pass to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right flank.
The Portugal wide man then delivered a dangerous, low cross to the near post that was flicked on by Michael Carrick to leave Rooney with a three-yard tap-in.
It was Rooney's ninth goal of the season - and not long afterwards he was crossing for Ronaldo, who was unable to increase his own tally.
It proved to be a brief appearance for Rooney, who limped off after only six minutes with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
For Carlos Tevez at least, it was good news as the Argentina striker was quickly introduced.
Nani's cross was just too long for Ronaldo; then Berbatov's inspired, long ball aimed for Tevez was just off target as well.
Yet if it had not been for the goal, Wigan would have been quite pleased with their start.
Steve Bruce's men were seeing plenty of the ball, with Emile Heskey drilling a long-range shot wide.




Thursday, January 15, 2009
Neill a no-go for Newcastle
Newcastle United have ended their interest in West Ham United's Lucas Neill after being told he is not for sale.
Manager Joe Kinnear revealed that the Magpies had made an enquiry about the 30-year-old Australian defender as they attempt to find cover for Habib Beye, who is facing at least another 10 weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
However, after initial contact was made, the Hammers have insisted Neill is not for sale, and Kinnear will now explore alternative targets.
A Newcastle spokesman said: "In looking to strengthen our squad, the club has been exploring a number of possibilities during the transfer window.
Manager Joe Kinnear revealed that the Magpies had made an enquiry about the 30-year-old Australian defender as they attempt to find cover for Habib Beye, who is facing at least another 10 weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
However, after initial contact was made, the Hammers have insisted Neill is not for sale, and Kinnear will now explore alternative targets.
A Newcastle spokesman said: "In looking to strengthen our squad, the club has been exploring a number of possibilities during the transfer window.
Man City hopeful of Bellamy deal
Manchester City are still hopeful of signing Craig Bellamy despite having a third bid for the Wales striker turned down by West Ham United.
The Hammers turned down an improved £9m offer for the 29-year-old on Monday but City made a higher bid on Wednesday.
Manager Mark Hughes is keen to bring Bellamy and Scott Parker to Eastlands but has so far failed to land either.
"We are still very hopeful that something can happen," Manchester City assistant manager Mark Bowen said.
West Ham, whose owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may sell the club, insist they do not want to offload players and are under no pressure to do so.
Wales captain Bellamy played under Bowen and Hughes during his time as Wales and Blackburn Rovers manager.
The Hammers turned down an improved £9m offer for the 29-year-old on Monday but City made a higher bid on Wednesday.
Manager Mark Hughes is keen to bring Bellamy and Scott Parker to Eastlands but has so far failed to land either.
"We are still very hopeful that something can happen," Manchester City assistant manager Mark Bowen said.
West Ham, whose owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may sell the club, insist they do not want to offload players and are under no pressure to do so.
Wales captain Bellamy played under Bowen and Hughes during his time as Wales and Blackburn Rovers manager.
Kaka cleared to talk to Man City
AC Milan have given their Brazilian superstar Kaka permission to talk to Manchester City.
City are thought to have bid in excess of £100m for the 26-year-old, whose father Bosco Leite is his advisor.
"Milan has authorized the negotiation with City," said Kaka's spokesman Diogo Kotschko. "The next step is Kaka's father will talk to Manchester City."
The director of the club's in-house TV channel, Mauro Suma, said Milan were looking at City's offer for Kaka.
But he added: "Considered does not mean decided or accepted. We are not faced with a decision made or a done deed."
However, a Milan spokesman said Suma's comments were not an official statement by the Serie A club.
City are thought to have bid in excess of £100m for the 26-year-old, whose father Bosco Leite is his advisor.
"Milan has authorized the negotiation with City," said Kaka's spokesman Diogo Kotschko. "The next step is Kaka's father will talk to Manchester City."
The director of the club's in-house TV channel, Mauro Suma, said Milan were looking at City's offer for Kaka.
But he added: "Considered does not mean decided or accepted. We are not faced with a decision made or a done deed."
However, a Milan spokesman said Suma's comments were not an official statement by the Serie A club.
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