Rafael makes Manchester United return

Manchester United made a bright start to the 2013 calendar year with a 4-0 victory away at Wigan Athletic, a match notable for the return from injury of Rafael da Silva.

Rafael, 22, had spent three weeks on the sidelines with a slight hamstring injury over the festive period, but returned to put in a good performance in a comfortable victory over the Latics at the DW Stadium.

The Red Devils took an early lead through Javier Hernandez, before Dutchman Robin Van Persie doubled his side's lead before half-time.

More was to follow in the second period as Hernandez made it 3-0 early in the half, firing home on the half-volley after a Van Persie free-kick hit the wall.

After a series of substitutions for both sides, Wigan started to show signs of improvement, but it was all too little too late as Van Persie added a fourth in the final minutes, turning home after good work from Danny Welbeck.

Manchester United remain seven points clear of rivals Manchester City after Tuesday's fixtures.