Manchester United
Manchester United Reuters

Manchester United will look for their third straight win when they welcome Wigan Athletic to Old Trafford, as Premier League action returns after the international break.

Live Coverage

The kick-off is set for 3pm BST. Live audio commentary is available on Absolute Radio. The build-up to the game on MUTV starts at 1:30pm BST.

Overview

Sir Alex Ferguson's side recovered from a surprising 0-1 defeat to Everton on the opening day to record 3-2 wins over both Fulham and Southampton. The Latics have had a similar start to their season, with a 2-0 win over the Saints and a 2-2 draw against Stoke, to bounce back from a 0-2 opening day defeat at Chelsea.

Old Trafford is not a comfortable venue for Wigan. They have lost all eight games played at the Theatre of Dreams and have had three red cards in their last two visits. Overall, the Latics have lost 14 of their last 15 games against United. However, Roberto Martinez's side clinched a remarkable 1-0 win against United in the last encounter between these two sides, at the DW stadium in April, which eventually helped Wigan survive relegation and cost the Red Devils the league title.

Team News

Manchester United: Ferguson's injury problems have only increased after the international break. Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa, who had to pull out of his country's World Cup qualifier, will miss the game. Dutch striker and last game's hat-trick hero Robin van Persie is not likely to play either, after suffering a thigh injury on international duty, and Wayne Rooney continues his recovery from the gash suffered three weeks ago.

In addition, winger Ashley Young has not recovered from a knee injury that kept him out of the last match. Midfielder Darren Fletcher is still unavailable and defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones remain sidelined. However, centre back Jonny Evans is fully fit and featured in both of Northern Ireland's qualifiers.

The back four is likely to be the same that played against Southampton two weeks ago. The quartet of Rafael, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra did not have a good outing at St. Mary's, and conceded twice but Ferguson has always opined the defence needs a few games to become stable. However, the Scot has options in Evans and new signing Alexander Buttner, should he decide to rest Ferdinand or Evra.

Michael Carrick will feature in central midfield and since Tom Cleverley started both games for England during the break, veteran Ryan Giggs could partner Carrick and reach the massive milestone of becoming the first player to make 600 Premier League appearances. Paul Scholes and Anderson are also options for Ferguson in central midfield, while Antonia Valencia and Nani are both sure bets for the wing roles. With Rooney out and van Persie set to miss out, Danny Welbeck and Chicharito will lead the attack.

Wigan Athletic: Unlike Ferguson, Martinez does not have many injury worries. Winger Jean Beausejour is the only man missing from Martinez's squad, who welcome defender Antolin Alcaraz back from suspension. The Spaniard will continue with the 3-4-3 formation that was immensely successful for his side at the tail end of last season, including against United. Alcaraz, captain Gary Caldwell and new signing Ivan Ramis will feature at the back in a three-man defence.

Midfielders James McCarthy and James McArthur will sit in front of the three as a two-man midfield pivot. Emmerson Boyce and Maynor Figueroa will be the two wide men and perhaps the most crucial pegs in Martinez's 3-4-3, as the duo have to move back to form a five-man defence (5-4-1) when the Latics do not have possession. Franco Di Santo and Arouna Kone are set to lead the line for the visitors, with Shaun Maloney providing support.

Probable Starting Line-up:

Manchester United (4-4-2): Lindegaard; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Nani; Welbeck, Chicharito

Wigan Athletic (3-4-3): Al Habsi; Alcaraz, Caldwell, Ramis; Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Figueroa; Maloney, Di Santo, Kone

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney