Manchester United began their pre-season campaign with a trip to Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan impressed in the first half of his first outing as a Man United player, but the two teams headed down the tunnel at 0-0 despite a first period of domination from the Premier League side.
Jose Mourinho's Man United did make the breakthrough in the 49th minute, however, when Will Keane tapped home from close range, before a stunner from Andreas Pereira doubled the lead nine minutes later.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage of the action below.
12.31pmAfternoon all! Sports Mole's live pre-season coverage continues from the DW Stadium as Wigan Athletic take on Manchester United in a friendly. This match will mark the start of a new era for Man United as Jose Mourinho takes charge of the Red Devils for the first time. Here's to an entertaining clash!
12.33pmJust a reminder that those involved in Euro 2016 are not part of the Man United squad this afternoon, which will give a number of youngsters the chance to impress. We should also see some new faces on display. Well, we can find out right now. Let's have a look at the two confirmed teams...
12.36pmTEAMS!
WIGAN: To follow...
UNITED: Johnstone; Fosu-Mensah, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Herrera; Lingard, Mkhitaryan, Memphis; Wilson
12.39pmSo there we have it. There are Man United debuts for Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan this afternoon, while Luke Shaw returns to the XI after missing almost all of last season with a broken leg. Elsewhere, James Wilson is chosen to lead the line, while Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard will operate in the wide positions. The skipper in Mourinho's first Man United team is Michael Carrick.
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12.42pm
First #MUFC action for @EricBailly24 and @HenrikhMkh - and @LukeShaw23 is back! pic.twitter.com/Y6cp2ilVst
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 16, 2016
12.45pmStill waiting on the confirmed team news from the home side, but we are now just about 45 minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in Wigan. I shall speak about the hosts a little bit later, but let's start with Man United, who will play five friendlies over the next couple of weeks before taking on Premier League champions Leicester City in the Community Shield on August 7.
12.48pmDespite winning the FA Cup, it was a disappointing 2015/16 campaign for Man United as they missed out on the top four in the Premier League and as a result, there will be no Champions League football this season. That cost Louis van Gaal his job and following months of speculation, Mourinho was appointed as the new boss, bringing in his own staff, which saw the end of Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford.
12.51pmIt has been a busy summer this far with Bailly, Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all arriving, while rumours linking Paul Pogba with a return to the club continue to gather pace. Those involved in Euro 2016 have not yet trained with Mourinho, but the likes of Rooney, Smalling and Rashford will be part of the squad that travels to China later this month. Just a reminder that those involved in the European Championships are not part of the squad this afternoon, but they will soon be available for Mourinho!
12.54pmTEAMS!
WIGAN: Jaaskelainen; Daniels, Burn, Morgan, Warnock; R.Taylor, Perkins, Power, Jacobs, Huws; Grigg
UNITED: Johnstone; Fosu-Mensah, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Herrera; Lingard, Mkhitaryan, Memphis; Wilson
12.57pmWe have the team news from Wigan! The big news in their camp is a return to the DW Stadium for Ryan Taylor, who is on trial with his former club after leaving Newcastle United in the summer. There is also a home debut for summer signing Dan Burn, who will operate at centre-back, while Will Grigg, the world-famous Will Grigg, leads the attack. Some say that Will Grigg is on fire! All together now...
1.01pmLooking ahead, Man United will take on Borussia Dortmund on July 22 in Shanghai, before facing rivals Manchester City three days later in Beijing. The Red Devils will then return to Europe to face Turkish giants Galatasaray on July 30, before Wayne Rooney's testimonial against Everton at Old Trafford on August 3. Mourinho has just been speaking to MUTV and the Portuguese has confirmed that he will be making seven changes at the interval. Bailly is expected to play "60 to 70 minutes" and Mkhitaryan "45".
1.04pmKickoff is fast approaching at the DW Stadium! It will be a busy pre-season for Man United with a lot of travelling, but they will not have much time to prepare for the new campaign as they take on Premier League champions Leicester City in the Community Shield on August 7. Then comes the start of the Premier League season, which opens with a trip to Bournemouth on August 14.
1.07pmIt is a tricky start to the new Premier League season as Mourinho's side take on Southampton in their second match on August 19, before travelling to newly-promoted Hull City before the end of the month. The first international break will arrive at the end of the month and Mourinho will have hoped to have made a strong start and indeed watched his new signings hit the ground running!
Great to see this guy back on the #MUFC teamsheet! We spoke to @LukeShaw23 before today's game... https://t.co/D1ufbCcqIK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 16, 2016
1.10pmHere is what Mourinho has said to MUTV before kickoff this afternoon: "I want them to play. I want them to train not against their mates but against real opposition. I will play 11 players in the first half and at half-time I am going to make seven changes. I don't do 11 because I want to keep the other three or four for the rest of the game but I'm going to play with the 22 players because at this moment they need a bit of competition. Next week we have Borussia Dortmund and Man City and we go again with the same players, with the same people so they are going to face good teams with almost every player ready for these matches. What we want is evolution. If you ask me three points today or three points against Bournemouth I want three points against Bournemouth, not today."
1.13pmIt is difficult to ascertain what the targets are for the new season, but Mourinho has already made it clear that a top-four finish in the Premier League would not constitute a strong campaign for Man United. It will be interesting to see how seriously the club take the Europa League, especially considering the Thursday-Sunday pattern of fixtures that will develop once the competition gathers pace.
1.16pmAs for Wigan, it may sound odd, but the Championship side are also in action tomorrow afternoon against Liverpool. It is extremely rare to play on back-to-back days, but it is understood that another squad will be selected for the clash with Jurgen Klopp's side. Incidentally, I shall also be covering that game tomorrow so be sure to join Sports Mole for that one as well!
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1.19pmThe result is secondary to fitness and the like this afternoon, but Wigan have a rotten record against Man United – losing 17 of their 18 competitive fixtures with the Red Devils. That run of results includes the 2006 League Cup final and the 2013 Community Shield and Wigan's only victory over the 20-time English champions was a 1-0 win during the 2011/12 Premier League season.
1.22pmWigan secured a return to the Championship last season as the Latics won League One with 87 points. An impressive campaign saw Gary Caldwell's side only lose seven of their 46 matches and they have already had two pre-season games this month – drawing 0-0 with both Sporting Braga and Chester over the last week. The fixtures are certainly coming thick and fast for Wigan!
1.25pmIn terms of what is ahead for the Championship side, they will take on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in another pre-season match tomorrow, before facing Macclesfield Town, Rochdale, Oldham Athletic and Fleetwood Town before the end of the month. It is a very busy pre-season for Wigan as they prepare to open their Championship season away to Bristol City on August 6.
TEAM NEWS: @WillGrigg starts, @Danburn3 makes his first home appearance and @TaylorR1984 returns to the DW! #wafc pic.twitter.com/U01SBfI915
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) July 16, 2016
1.28pmHere we go then! Mourinho's first game in charge of Man United is a pre-season clash away to Championship side Wigan. A whole host of interesting side-stories this afternoon as two players make their Red Devils debuts and Shaw returns to the team at left-back. There will be seven changes at the interval so some only have 45 minutes to impress Mourinho in his first match!
0 minKICKOFF! It is Wigan that kick this pre-season match off at the DW...
2 min... far from a full house inside the stadium, but the Man United fans are in wonderful voice. Wigan conceded possession shortly after kickoff and the away side are enjoying early control of the ball.
4 minNot an awful lot to report in the early moments as both sides attempt to settle into the match. As expected, James Wilson is leading the line for Man United, while Mkhitaryan is operating in the number 10 position, flanked by Lingard and Memphis, who will both been to impress Mourinho here.
6 minLingard dives into a challenge with Ryan Taylor as this friendly continues to enjoy a strong tempo in the opening six minutes. Mkhitaryan has taken up some good positions for Man United in the final third, while Bailly has seen plenty of the ball just outside his own box. Decent opening to this game.
8 minPass, pass, pass from Man United as they continue to enjoy possession of the football. However, in fairness to Wigan, they have been nice and tight at the back and indeed strong in the challenge.
9 minHalf-chance for Man United as Fosu-Mensah delivers into Mkhitaryan and the Armenian sets up Memphis, but his effort is blocked. Good football down the right from the Red Devils there.
11 minMourinho has not yet taken to his seat this afternoon as the Portuguese waves his team forward and applauds a strong tackle from Herrera. He really, really looks the part for Man United!
12 minWonderful work from Mkhitaryan as the Armenian drives past two players before delivering into Memphis, but the Dutchman's cross is blocked. Moments later, Michael Carrick wants a penalty after being pushed to the ground inside the box, but the referee says no. Looked one to me!
15 minAgain it is smart work from Memphis as the Dutchman turns his shoulder before delivering into Wilson, but Morgan is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner is delivered towards the far post and the home side just manage to clear when Max Power beats Wilson to the punch.
17 minWe actually have two number threes on the field for Man United, with Bailly and Shaw both wearing that number on their back. Strange one, but hey, this is 2016! Man United continue to boss this game.
18 minSuper chance for Man United as a corner from Memphis is, for some reason, left by the Wigan defence, but there is no touch from Wilson, who was very close! Moments later, Lingard has a strike blocked behind for another corner following another slick piece of work from Mkhitaryan.
21 minThe Man United fans are in wonderful voice as they continue to drive their team forward and Wilson is just caught offside following a super piece of work from Mkhitaryan once again!
23 minJust a reminder that Mourinho is going to make seven changes at the interval, but Bailly is expected to play around 60 to 70 minutes of this match. Mkhitaryan will be replaced at the break and the Armenian has actually been the best player on the pitch so far. He looks a real class act.
24 minGood grief. The referee is having a stinker here! Burn just completely takes out Lingard and the referee points for a goal-kick. Mourinho takes it quite well, it is only pre-season after all!
25 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Man United as Mkhitaryan delivers a stunning pass into Memphis, who just has to score, but the Dutchman fires wide of the post from close range!
27 minHerrera decides to have a pop from distance, but his effort was always wide of the post.
29 minMkhitaryan has been the star of the show this afternoon, but Bailly has also been very impressive for Man United as the centre-back continues to make positive challenges. Wigan do have a free kick in a dangerous position, however, as Fosu-Mensah brings the tricky Jacobs to the deck...
29 min... Jacobs tricks his way into the box, but his cross is too far strong!
32 minBurn does not know what day of the week it is as Mkhitaryan continues to come deep and turn away from the centre-back. Another period of strong Man United pressure leads to Memphis having a strike from distance, but his effort was always swinging just wide of the far post.
34 minWell, 34 minutes on the clock and we are still goalless, but there has been plenty of positives for Man United, who have been the better side by some considerable distance in this first period.
35 minFosu-Mensah is left on the deck here following a strong challenge with Burn.
36 minFosu-Mensah looked to be winded in that challenge with Burn, but it does appear that the right-back will be fit to continue. He might well be one of the seven coming off at the half-time break.
37 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Mkhitaryan as the ball somehow finds the Armenian at the far post, but he fires over the crossbar from close range. Head in hands moment!
40 minWell, Man United have bossed this first period, but Wigan have possession of the ball as we approach the final five minutes of the first 45. Both managers can take positives from the action.
42 minJust a reminder that Wigan are also in action tomorrow against Liverpool and an entirely different squad is expected for that match, or at least a different XI with a few of these players on the bench. Man United are next in action against German side Borussia Dortmund on July 22!
44 minIt is all very narrow at the moment as Wigan close the space in the final third. Shaw manages to break free down the left, but Daniels is across to make a strong and indeed fair challenge.
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Wigan 0-0 Man United
2.21pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Man United have dominated the possession and indeed also had the better chances, but Wigan have managed to keep their clean sheet in tact as we enter the interval of this pre-season clash.
2.26pmBENCH WATCH! Just a reminder that Man United are going to make seven changes at the interval, while subs are also expected from Wigan, who have the likes of Craig Davies, Luke Burke and former Man United midfielder Nick Powell, who signed on a free this summer, on the bench. Fitness is the name of the game this afternoon, but Mourinho will be keen to start his reign with a win.
2.31pmJust a reminder that the likes of Rooney, Smalling, Rashford and Ibrahimovic are not involved this afternoon due to their participation in Euro 2016, but the English trio are expected to travel on the pre-season tour of China, while Ibrahimovic should return later this month against Galatasaray. Mata, Young and Jones are among those preparing to enter the field for Man United here!
46 minRESTART! Man United resume the action at the DW...
47 min... MAN UNITED SUBS! Valencia, Jones, Mata, Pereira, Januzaj, Keane and Young have all entered the field for Man United. Herrera, Johnstone, Bailly and Blind are still on!
47 minWIGAN SUB! Just the one change for Wigan as Craig Davies replaces Grigg.
48 minMourinho would have been content with his team's performance in the first period, but he will want to see some shots on goal in the second half. It is good to see Will Keane back for the Reds.
49 minGOAL! Wigan 0-1 Man United (Keane)
50 minMan United lead with 49 minutes on the clock as Jaaskelainen fires the ball straight at Mata and the Spaniard simply sets up Will Keane, who cannot miss from close range. What a mistake!
52 minWell, that was absolutely appalling from the Wigan goalkeeper and Man United will look to take advantage of that by scoring a quick-fire second goal. It is all one-way traffic at the moment.
54 minAnother half-chance for Man United as Young drives into the box before drilling a low cross towards the far post, but Perkins manages to deflect the ball behind for another corner. Young delivers another dangerous cross moments later, but it just would not fall for Januzaj.
56 minPereira seems to be playing defensive midfield for Man United at the moment and the youngster is demanding possession of the ball. Another half-chance arrives as Mata delivers a dangerous cross towards Keane, but the striker pokes wide of the post form close range. No sign of a Wigan attack.
58 minGOAL! Wigan 0-2 Man United (Pereira)
59 minOh my word what a goal! Man United score a second as a short free kick falls to Pereira inside the Wigan box and the midfielder turns and finds the top corner with a wonderful strike - what a goal!
61 minWigan are really struggling at the moment and I am very surprised not see more changes at this stage of the match. Davies for Grigg is the home side's only change in the opening 61 minutes here.
63 minMan United are passing Wigan off the pitch at the moment as they continue to make ground in the final third, with Januzaj and Young both causing problems in wide positions. Wigan are in trouble.
65 minLittle over 25 minutes of football remaining and Mourinho looks content on the touchline as he kneels down to get a better view of what is taking place! Keane and Pereira have both netted in the second period to give Man United a comfortable lead and I am expecting more goals to arrive.
67 minPereira continues to operate in a deep midfield role and the young Brazilian looks to be enjoying himself in that position. Has Mourinho identified something that others have not?! We shall see.
69 minSuper stuff from Pereira as the midfielder produces a wonderful pass into Valencia, who sets up Young inside the Wigan box, but the Englishman takes one touch too many and it goes behind!
71 minWIGAN SUBS! Nick Powell and James Barrigan replace Huws and Ryan Taylor.
73 minMAN UNITED SUBS! Herrera and Blind are replaced by Varela and Blackett.
76 minNot an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Man United are still very much in control of the possession as we enter the final stages of this pre-season clash.
78 minMourinho is keen to assess his options in central midfield as Varela is now operating in that role! Maybe Pogba will not be arriving after all. Man United continue to make ground in wide positions as Young and Keane both threaten with impressive combinations down the left. Still 2-0 to the visitors here.
81 minWigan just have not been seen as an attacking threat in this second period, although Powell has been bright and inventive in possession of the ball. More changes are on their way at the DW.
82 minMAN UNITED SUBS! Axel Tuanzebe and Joel Pereira replace Bailly and Johnstone.
84 minPlenty of youngsters on display in this second period and all things considered, Mourinho will be pleased with what he has seen. Tougher tests are ahead though, that is for certain.
86 minIf Mkhitaryan was Man United's best player in the first half, Young might well be the player of the second period. The Englishman has caused all sorts of problems down the right side of the field.
88 minSmart work from Young to find Keane inside the Wigan box, but the striker's effort is wide.
90 minMight well be three or four added minutes due to the amount of subs!
90 min+1FULL-TIME: Wigan 0-2 Man United
3.25pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Man United running out 2-0 winners over Wigan in their first pre-season match leading into the 2016-17 campaign. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again soon for more live pre-season coverage!
