Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez was making Premier League management seem a doddle, but the mid week 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers has brought an expectant DW crowd back to earth.
The pretty patterns and knitted moves that drove the Aston Villa crowd to rebellion on the opening day of the season instead left the Latics fans tearing their hair out. Possession is king in football, but without a coup de grace, a team has nothing.
A first-half goal from Wayne Rooney proved to be enough for Manchester United to commence their Premier League campaign with victory over Birmingham City this afternoon.
The striker netted from close range just after the half-hour mark after his header had rebounded off of the post, and despite having a flurry of chances had to settle for a single goal win over the newly-promoted away side.
As the season kicks into life, a new chapter begins at Old Trafford. The exit of talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and the defection of Carlos Tevez to the blue half of the city has left space for a hero to emerge.
So often the support act to the Portuguese superstar, Wayne Rooney must now take top billing at the Theatre of Dreams. No longer will the England man be shunted to the wilderness on the left of midfield, centre stage is now his to claim.
Second half goals from Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley gave United victory in an entertaining friendly against Valencia.
Debutant Antonio Valencia played a major role in both goals as United’s wingplay overpowered the visitors, who enjoyed their own opportunities in an open game littered with chances.
Manchester United 