Ronaldo Catalyst in Boxing Day Win (Manchester United 3 - Wigan 1)

Chelsea had dropped points in an earlier draw with Reading, leaving United 4 points clear. Ferguson had dropped a number of stars, giving the reserves a run against an unfancied Wigan side.

Rio, Neville, Ronaldo, Giggs and Saha were replaced with Silvestre, Brown, Fletcher, Park and Ole. Although we had the better of the exchanges in the first half, Rooney squandered a number of good opportunities to give us the lead.

Second half, cue Ronaldo. He replaced Fletcher at half time and within 6 minutes of the restart had scored 2 goals. The first from a corner which resulted in a headed goal, and the second from the spot. He's first shot was initially saved by the keeper but he scored from the rebound.

Ole scored the third goal from a counter in the 60th minute, after Rooney's header had put him thru to face the keeper.

Like on Saturday, Wigan were valiant but ineffective. However in the spirit of Christmas, the ever generous Silvestre gifted a penalty to Wigan in injury time, when he fouled Johansson, who was going nowhere. Wigan scored from the spot to give some respectability to the scoreline.

Man of The Match: Ronaldo. He only needed 6 minutes to prove how effective he was after he came on. Totally changed the complex of the match.

Notable mentions should be given to :

Park, who ran his socks off as usual.

Brown, who was solid in defense.

Fletcher, who made 2 absolutely beatiful passes to Rooney in the first half. However Rooney failed to find the net on both occasions.

On Saturday, we play the last game of 2006, against mighty Reading, who held Chelsea today. And we're doing it without Vidic or Scholes, who are both suspended. However the rest of the calvary should return in the form of Giggs, Ronaldo and Saha.

Oh and an additional season cheer, Pool lost to Mark Hughes' Blackburn.