Five notable points from Manchester United's weekend win

It may have seemed like a routine win for the Red Devils, but here are five points worth picking up on...

Sir Alex Ferguson is still high on Lindegaard and down on De Gea

The great Old Trafford goalkeeping debate continues, with £20 million signing from last summer David de Gea dropped for the second successive game. Each have made two starts this season, but Ferguson was critical of the Spaniard after his mistake against Fulham. In a poll on our website on Friday, 90 per cent of fans voted that De Gea should play against Wigan, but their calls were in vain as Ferguson went with the Dane, who secured United's first clean sheet of the season against a toothless Latics attack. Will De Gea get a chance to stake a claim for being recalled at Anfield by playing for Galatasaray in midweek, or should the manager stick with Lindegaard now?

Patrice Evra has a right to be worried about his future

Alexander Buttner was bought to add competition at left-back, and he is set to do just that. Perhaps even he would not have foreseen such immediate and immaculate success, with an excellent debut goal. Evra was watching on from the stands and may face an extended spell on the sidelines if the Reds' new flying Dutchman keeps up his form. Evra was sloppy in United's opening matches, guilty of gifting a goal to Southampton in their last match, and this fixture was ideal to slot Buttner in. The high level of his performance indicates that Evra has a real battle on his hands, and if the Frenchman loses it, his future could be in doubt come the end of the season, with Sir Alex Ferguson less than keen on keeping players beyond their best by date.

Paul Scholes remains absolutely crucial to their success

The comeback of Paul Scholes was a masterstroke for Manchester United last season, and it came agonisingly close to winning them a 20th title. The midfielder has carried on where he left off last season, so influential when he came on against Southampton to inspire a win in their previous game, he was excellent again on Saturday. It was his 700th appearance, and one he capped off by scoring the opener. Sir Alex Ferguson has commented that the midfielder transforms United's options, an opinion backed by Robin van Persie, and he is already looking irreplaceable, presenting a dilemma and a challenge to the other midfielders as his age dictates he will not be able to play every game.

Nick Powell is in with a shot of being his replacement

It said everything about the level of Nick Powell's performances for Crewe last season that few eyebrows were raised when Manchester United came calling. A stunning winner in the League Two play-off final sealed the deal, with the Red Devils fighting off late interest from Chelsea for his signature. Powell's debut strike was reminiscent of Scholes in his pomp. A late arrival to the attack, smashing the ball from outside the box low into the net. He scored an excellent goal for England's under-19 side earlier in the month, and he could be the breakout star of the season. He will be eased in, but if he can continue to take his limited opportunities, he could be pushing for a regular spot sooner rather than later.

Defensive crisis is easing in the nick of time

Manchester United must wish they could replay that opening loss at Everton again tomorrow. Back then they were so badly hit by injury they had to play Michael Carrick in central defence, and he was exposed for the winning goal. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling remain medium-term absentees, but Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic played their second game together in a row this weekend, keeping a clean sheet. It is this settled defence which could lead to Ferguson keeping faith with Lindegaard in goal for now. The important development against Wigan was Jonny Evans returning, being brought on for the final 13 minutes. He could feature against Galatasaray to rest Ferdinand and give himself some key game time, but the good news is United now have options, and having Carrick back in the middle of the park can only help too. With the Champions League kicking off this week and key games against Liverpool and Tottenham upcoming, the troubles easing could not be better timed.

What are your opinions on the key talking points?

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