Source: Daily_Mail
Century man: Rooney bags his 100th goal as United stage a perfect response
Wayne Rooney broke the 100-goal mark for Manchester United as he ledthe champions on a five-goal rampage at Wigan which silenced the doubtersafter their shock midweek defeat at Burnley.[LNB]Rooney's two strikes, either side of a Dimitar Berbatov goal in ninestunning second-half minutes, took him to 101 in a United shirt at theage of only 23.[LNB] Century maker: Wayne Rooney claimed his 100th goal for United[LNB] Wigan 0 Manchester United 5: Wayne Rooney at the double and Michael Owen off the markFuture bright for Valencia: Jewell recalls first time he saw United's newest starDon't get too carried away, Sir Alex, you're still missing the X factorAndy Townsend's boot room: Defoe can claim spot with RooneyThere was further relief for United and manager Sir Alex Ferguson as substitute Michael Owen claimed the first goal of his United career with a delightful finish, before Nani struck the fifth in stoppage-time.[LNB]After a week in which questions were being asked about United's ability to replace the goals and influence of Cristiano Ronaldo, it was Rooney who stepped up to the plate.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'It's terrific for a young lad to reach that total with so many years still in front of him.[LNB]'It's going to be great for him. We've had many players over the years who have taken longer to do that.'[LNB]But the goals from Berbatov and especially Owen, two players whose quality had been called into question, pleased Ferguson just as much.[LNB]The manager said: 'It was a fantastic goal by Michael; great run and movement. Over the last decade he has proved that he is the best goalscorer in England and today he proved that again. 'I think it will do him the world of good. After all the discussions about him joining United after being a Liverpool player, it was important for him to get a goal.[LNB]'You know what strikers are like - they want to score. If Dimitar and Michael can weigh in along with the goals we expect from Wayne Rooney, it will make a difference to our game.'[LNB] First up: Wayne Rooney scores the opening goal against Wigan[LNB]Rooney and Berbatov's three-goal salvo, which began in the 56th minute, turned the game decisively after Wigan held their own in the first half and occasionally threatened to shock United, just as Lancashire neighbours Burnley had.[LNB]Hugo Rodallega had a chance to equalise almost immediately after Rooney's opener, but Ben Foster saved well and United went straight down the other end to score again through Berbatov. Rooney's deflected second ended all doubt about the result, while Owen's goal and Nani's late fifth simply added gloss.[LNB]Add a commanding performance in central defence by Nemanja Vidic - back from injury - and United's so-called crisis seemed to evaporate as quickly as it had appeared.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'The reality is that Wednesday was disappointing. We're not going to kill ourselves because of it but we've got to take lessons and experience from it.[LNB]'Although there are players at the club with great experience who have been winning trophies over the years, we were not prepared for that. It shouldn't have happened. It did happen, and they had to do something about it.'[LNB]Arsenal continue to impress and manager Arsene Wenger hailed their 'brilliant start' to the season following the 4-1 demolition of Portsmouth.[LNB]Wenger said: 'We have had a brilliant start. It should create confidence and momentum. We now go into another test against Celtic in Europe and then Manchester United. It looks to be exciting.'[LNB]French midfielder Abou Diaby marked his 100th game for the Gunners with an impressive display. 'When he decides to play more defensively, he is exactly like Patrick Vieira,' said Wenger. 'This could be his season.'[LNB] Wigan 0 Manchester United 5: Wayne Rooney at the double and Michael Owen off the markFuture bright for Valencia: Jewell recalls first time he saw United's newest starDon't get too carried away, Sir Alex, you're still missing the X factorAndy Townsend's boot room: Defoe can claim spot with Rooney [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Owen, Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney, Arsene Wenger, Nani, Ben Foster, Patrick VieiraPlaces:United Kingdom, Europe
