IT is not every season Manchester United seem to find much use for the Community Shield but yesterday it offered them something to huddle behind and deflect the criticism from a summer which has delivered paltry results, no marquee signing but still plenty of controversy.
The latter has tended to take the form of a discontented Wayne Rooney and a public pursuit of Cesc Fabregas to assail the Old Trafford club, although that was all forgotten for a moment as fans saw the reflection of Robin van Persie in the silver trophy yesterday.
Supporters had already seen the United striker shimmering on the Wembley pitch, scoring twice against Wigan Athletic to deliver the first title of David Moyes' reign at the club. The Dutchman's first goal arrived more quickly than you could say "Cesc said no" - Van Persie directing a header past Wigan's Scott Carson after just six minutes. He would double the lead after 59 minutes with a stiff drive which deflected off James Perch and into the net.
Those are the statistics of a victory which should not have felt quite so significant. This is the 20th occasion that United have won this trophy - the Community Shield became akin to small change for Sir Alex Ferguson - but it felt like rich reward for Moyes, since his side had only won twice during pre-season while conceding 13 goals in just seven fixtures. Such form will often be ascribed to new players settling in but there has yet to be a notable signing this summer, with Wilfried Zaha the only player to start the match for United who had not been in the first team last season. The strapping winger was signed last season and loaned back to former club Crystal Palace.
"I believe in this team," said Van Persie, in response to scrutiny over his club's transfer activity. "We are the champions and based on that we are clear favourites. I believe in this team and I believe that we will compete until the end again."
Such talk is required of a United player at the start of a season but it is made to seem more marked this time around given that Manchester City have gone about their business with typical zest and Chelsea have been asking around about Wayne Rooney's availability. The forward has been injured since United set off on a pre-season tour to the Middle East and doubts have been raised about the health of his relationship with Moyes.
His absence is no longer felt as acutely as it might have been in past seasons but there is still relief that Van Persie retains a sense of menace on the pitch. "The first goal's a brilliant goal," said Ryan Giggs, the United midfielder. "It just went over my head and the timing was brilliant. It was a great start for us. We hope Robin can produce the form that he showed last year.
"It was a very professional performance. We were a bit disappointed pre-season, letting a few goals in, so the main objective was to get a clean sheet [at Wembley]. We wanted to do that as a team; work hard, get behind the ball and I think we did that."
United will have to rally behind Rafael, too, after the defender was forced off with an injury after just 16 minutes against Wigan. It was a distraction to United's early form and they were discomfited further by the presence of Grant Holt as their Sky Bet Championship opponents refused to be bullied.
That was a bullish decision by manager Owen Coyle but it was almost rewarded with a goal after Holt stretched to get on the end of a series of crosses from James McLean. Van Persie was more assured, though, his goals meaning United did not need a place to hide inside Wembley.
Manchester United2
Wigan Athletic0
Van Persie (6, 59)
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