Man Utd on brink of title at Wigan

Manchester United can move to within one point of wrapping up a third straight Premier League title by beating Wigan here on Wednesday.

But Sir Alex Ferguson’s stars have been warned by France defender Patrice Evra that they could yet throw the title away if they allow any hint of complacency to creep in ahead of their trip to the JJB Stadium.

The World Club champions and Champions League finalists will move six points clear of Liverpool at the summit with two games remaining if they defeat their mid-table opponents.

That will leave Sir Alex Ferguson’s side requiring a point at home to Arsenal on Saturday to equal Liverpool’s record of 18 English titles.

Yet Evra is taking nothing for granted as he eyes his own third Premier League winners medal since moving to Old Trafford from Monaco in January 2006.

“We’re nearly there,” said Evra. “If we win against Wigan, it will be very important for winning the title. But it’s not finished yet.

“We have a Champions League final to look forward to, but we have to put that to the back of our minds and concentrate on the league.

“The manager tells us we need to win every game. At Manchester United the aim is always to win.

“In March we lost to Liverpool and Fulham, the first time since I arrived that we’d lost two league games in a row.

“I’ve never felt pain like that in my life before and I don’t want to feel like that again.

“That’s why I’m confident we’ll finish the job and go on and win the league.”

Liverpool’s form and superior goal difference means United will almost certainly have to win at least one of their remaining three matches to be sure of the title.

As a result, Ferguson will be keen to get the job done here rather than having to rely on beating either Arsenal or Hull on the final day of the season when Phil Brown’s side may be playing for Premier League survival.

History suggests United should take the three points however. United have not lost a league game against Wigan and the last time they visited the JJB Stadium they left with the Premier League trophy after winning 2-0 to clinch the title on the final day of last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in that victory yet the Portugal winger could be rested this time as Ferguson rotates his squad following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

Ronaldo reacted with a display of petulance when he was substituted after scoring against City yet Ferguson refused to criticise the player afterwards.

Carlos Tevez, whose future remains unclear, may make way for Wayne Rooney even though the Argentina striker scored against City. Tevez celebrated his goal by running to the main stand and cupping his ear as fans chanted “Fergie, Fergie sign him up”.

Evra is close friends with Tevez, whose two year loan at the club expires in the summer.

“I am very pleased for Carlitos. Whenever he plays, he respects the shirt of Manchester United. He is a great professional,” added Evra.

Wigan are managed by former United captain Steve Bruce, who insists he will put sentiment to one side as he looks to delay his former club’s title party.

Having enjoyed a largely successful season, Wigan have picked up just one point from the last five games and Bruce is anxious his players finish on a winning note.

Wigan captain Mario Melchiot revealed that Bruce let rip after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at West Brom.

“The gaffer was understandably upset,” said Holland international Melchiot.

“It’s a big game coming up against Manchester United which is going to be tough, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“The big games are always special occasions and we hope to perform a lot better.”

Wigan will be without Egypt striker Amr Zaki because of a knee injury while former England keeper Chris Kirkland is also struggling with a back injury.

Ferguson will give late fitness tests to centrebacks Rio Ferdinand, who missed the derby match with a calf strain, and Jonny Evans, who limped out of the win over City with a hamstring problem.

John O’Shea will partner Nemanja Vidic if neither Ferdinand nor Evans is fit to play.