Premier League: Manchester United 2 Wigan 0

Wayne Rooney returned for United as they comfortably brushed aside nine-man Wigan 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The England striker came off the bench to a rousing reception as he made his first English Premier League appearance after his dramatic U-turn over his decision to request a transfer.

Rooney went close with a header but a rare goal from Patrice Evra and a second-half header from substitute Javier Hernandez were enough to dispatch the Latics.

Roberto Martinez’s men had made their task almost impossible when Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega were sent off within three minutes of each other early in the second half.

Wigan started adventurously and had two early chances – Jordi Gomez shooting over after a slip by Nemanja Vidic in the box and Rodallega firing straight at Edwin van der Sar after a quick break.

Latics goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi had to be at his best at the over to get the merest of touches to turn away Nani’s deflected shot on 15 minutes.

Midfielder Charles N’Zogbia weaved his way into the box but Van der Sar blocked at his feet while frontman Rodallega tried a spectacular overhead kick as the visitors continued to trouble United.

But they were caught out with the simplest of goals on the stroke of half-time when Park Ji-Sung’s deep cross found Evra unmarked and the Frenchman headed home for his first goal in more than three years.

Rooney received a huge ovation from the Stretford End when he was introduced 10 minutes into the second half along with veteran Paul Scholes.

And if the introduction of the Old Trafford danger men wasn’t worrying enough, Wigan were reduced to nine men shortly after.

Alcaraz picked up a second yellow for a clumsy challenge on Darren Fletcher while Rodallega was red carded for a two-footed lunge on Rafael.

Rooney almost marked his return with a goal when he rose high above Steve Gohouri to steer a header on goal, but Al-Habsi tipped it over the bar.

But it was fellow substitute Hernandez who got the killer second when he stooped low to head home Rafael’s cross.

Rooney then missed a golden chance when he prodded straight at Al-Habsi from close range.