Robin van Persie struck twice to earn Manchester United a convincing 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield at a sun-drenched Wembley yesterday.

The Premier League champions outclassed the surprise FA Cup winners in the traditional English season curtain-raiser to give their new manager David Moyes an early trophy in his reign at Old Trafford.

Moyes was not claiming too much credit though.

“I class that as another piece of silverware for Sir Alex,” Moyes told a news conference.

“I was in charge of the team today but it’s a reward for winning the Premier League under Sir Alex last season and I won’t take too much credit for it.”

Van Persie opened the scoring with a superb long-range header, continuing the prolific form he showed in netting 30 goals in his first season at United.

“It was a great header, a brilliantly guided header,” Moyes said. “He’s (Van Persie) been very easy to work with, very receptive and helpful.”

Van Persie then fired in a deflected shot just before the hour to see off Championship side Wigan who stunned Manchester City to win the Cup before being relegated last season.

“It is always nice to score, especially at Wembley,” the prolific Dutch striker told the crowd. “I am really glad for everyone.

“Last year I did not score too many headers, so I have to improve on that. I believe in this team... we are the champions.”

United started brightly and took the lead when Patrice Evra swung over a deep cross from the left and Van Persie arched his back to nod the ball firmly into the far corner of the net from 10 metres out.

United right-back Rafael limped off soon afterwards but Moyes’s team continued to dominate possession and new winger Wilfried Zaha showed glimpses of his potential with a few quick turns and mazy dribbles.

Man-of-the-match Michael Carrick pulled the strings for United in midfield alongside 39-year-old Ryan Giggs and Wigan struggled to retain the ball.

An error by United defender Chris Smalling just before half-time allowed Wigan’s James McClean to send in a dangerous cross but goalkeeper David de Gea did not have a save to make.

Wigan worked tirelessly to close down United but Van Persie’s second goal ended the match as a contest.

The Dutchman controlled the ball on the corner of the penalty area before cutting back inside to drill in a fierce, 20-metre shot which took a deflection before flying past Wigan keeper Scott Carson.

Both managers made a raft of substitutions as the hot conditions took their toll and United could have extended their lead in the closing stages.

Van Persie had words of encouragement for those United supporters concerned about Ferguson’s departure, Moyes’s failure to make major signings so far and the future of disaffected striker Wayne Rooney.

“We have a chance to win five trophies this year and we want them all,” the Dutch forward said.

Last 10 finals

* Won on penalty kicks