Wigan 0 United 2

United's pre-seasons in recent years tend to have commenced in relatively far-flung places, so Wigan was perhaps an unlikely place for the Mourinho era to begin. However, it did allow 7000 United fans to make the short trip up the M61 to get a first glimpse in a United shirt of new signings Bailly and Mkhitaryan and, perhaps most pleasing of all, witness Luke Shaw making his long-awaited return from injury.

It was Mkhitaryan who looked liveliest early on, setting up chances for Lingard and Memphis that emphasised the Armenian's reputation as an 'assist specialist', although it was his powerful running with the ball that most caught the eye.    When the ball fell to him at the far post for the best chance of the half, however, his shot was well over the bar.  Wigan offered little threat but, on the rare occasions that the United back four were called into action, Bailly looked accomplished and comfortable on the ball.

Mkhitaryan was among seven players to make way at half-time and it wasn't long before two of the replacements combined to give United the lead. There was, in truth, more than a little assistance from Jaaskelainen in the Wigan goal, the veteran keeper's clearance landing at the feet of Mata in the area for the Spaniard to set up Will Keane for the easiest of finishes.  

Keane was close to making it two when he got a foot to a fizzing low cross from Ashley Young, only to see his shot go narrowly wide.   The second goal wasn't long in coming though: following a Young free kick, Pereira latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired it into the top corner in some style.  

So, the Mourinho era began with a routine 2-0 win in what was, in truth, little more than a glorified training session at Wigan.  Great to see the Reds back in action though, and great to hear the United away support in their usual fine voice throughout.  It'll be interesting to see how many of the youngsters who got some minutes on the pitch today will make it onto the tour and the games against Borussia Dortmund and city.