Manchester United travel to Wigan with great expectations
Amidst all the talk of Manchester United's trip to Wigan, and how much Wigan will try, professional pride and all that, the discussion of how one sided a fixture this actually is has hardly been mentioned. Wigan have a dreadful record against the 'big four' clubs, and have never beaten any of them since their promotion to the top flight almost three seasons ago.
Added to this that their record against United is six straight defeats - including 4-0 in the League Cup Final (the most important game between the two to date), does not suggest an even contest. For Wigan to get their first win in a game where they have nothing but pride to play for (a million or two for place money may affect the club, but I don't think that it will have any bearing on the players' bonuses) is optimistic,to say the least.
Dave Whelan's suggestion that defeat for Wigan could, if coupled with a Champions' League triumph for United, see Sir Alex Ferguson resign in the euphoria of the moment is interesting. And he extends his plot to suggest that could cost Wigan their manager. It also suggests that Whelan has a strong interest in pot-boiler fiction; possibly the reason why he turned to the author of murder mysteries (with a football spin) like, Striker!
United have won every game against Wigan, usually with something to spare. Although there will be tension on Sunday, United demonstrated against West Ham that the insecurities that almost suffocated the team against Barcelona and Chelsea have been banished. If United play with the freedom they did against West Ham they will beat Wigan quite comfortably. Wigan are a decent team, but United have better players are in good form and have huge motivation.
The United fans who will swamp the stadium and take the majority of the seats will create a raucous atmosphere - and will fully expect to celebrate long into the night.
