The first semi-competitive fixture of the David Moyes era at Manchester United takes place on Sunday when his side face off against Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield. The recently relegated Latics have also made a managerial change this summer, with Owen Coyle taking over for the man who took Moyes' old job, and he'll be expected to bring Wigan right back up to the top flight.
Manchester United vs. Wigan Athletic, 2013 Community Shield: Preview and TV schedule
Since this game almost certainly means more to Wigan than it does to Manchester United, it should end up being very competitive.
Chris Brunskill
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Wigan spent well within their means while in the Premier League, meaning they haven't needed to cast off too many players. The £6m sale of Arouna Kone to Everton likely alleviated any financial concerns, while the club also got Mauro Boselli and Maynor Figeuroa off the books. Those moves have allowed them to bring in the likes of James McClean, James Perch, Leon Barnett and Grant Holt from the Premier League while keeping Callum McManaman, Shaun Maloney and James McCarthy for the time being. Wigan have been extremely active in the transfer window, bringing in 10 players.
Coyle’s boys were spectacular in their Championship owner, destroying Barnsley 4-0 on the road. Wigan might struggle with a full-strength and fully-motivated United side, but the promotion favorites should have more than enough to give the Red Devils a serious match in what is essentially a bridge between preseason and real matches for the reigning Premier League champions.
Expect to see a slightly experimental, but strong team from Moyes that should resemble a team he could play in league matches this season. The availability of a number of players is in question, but most of United’s big stars should be healthy.
Manchester United injuries
Out: Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Darren Fletcher. In doubt: David De Gea, Johnny Evans, Nick Powell, Nani, Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra
Wigan Athletic injuries
Out: Gary Caldwell, Thomas Ronge, Mike Pollitt
Injury info is always a bit difficult to come by at this point in the season, with perfectly healthy players sitting out friendlies all the time. Van Persie, Vidic and Evra were likely just rested in the Rio Ferdinand testimonial and should play.
Match date/time: Sunday, 2 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
TV: ITV (U.K.), FOX Soccer (U.S. - English), FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada)
