7,000 away fans as Mourinho kicks off with Wigan win

Backed by an incredible estimated away following of 7,000, Jose Mourinho took charge of his first game as Manchester United manager on Saturday. The Red Devils recorded a 2-0 all-Lancashire pre-season friendly win at Wigan Athletic. 

After almost one year on the sidelines with injury, Luke Shaw returned for United as Mourinho got off to a winning start, albeit in non-competitive action.

Will Keane and Andreas Pereira were on the scoresheet for United in a 2-0 victory; with both goals coming after the half-time break.

A host of big names that featured at Euro 2016, including new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and England's Wayne Rooney, were allowed absence, with United fielding a mixture of experience, youth and future prospects.

Juan Mata Garcia, a half-time substitute, was among the more experienced names in action, and the Spaniard seized on a mistake by Wigan stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen to square for Keane for the opener.

Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones were other big names involved, whilst new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly featured from the start.

Pereira doubled the advantage after the hour mark, with Will Grigg – a man made famous at Euro 2016 despite not playing a minute – among those involved for the hardworking hosts. Ex-Red Nick Powell also featured for the Latics.

United’s travelling Red Army – estimated to be at the 7,000 mark – created a tremendous atmosphere throughout as a hugely promising 2016/17 campaign edges nearer.

Full Time – Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 13,314