Martinez: Wigan no extra in Rooney soap

Roberto Martinez admits Wigan have to concentrate on their own game this weekend and not get carried away by the Wayne Rooney soap opera.

The Manchester United and England striker has been tipped to make his long-awaited return from an ankle problem against Wigan at Old Trafford on Saturday.

But with Wigan standing just one place above the drop zone – despite picking up four points from their last two matches – Martinez is understandably more concerned with goings-on at his old club than following Rooney’s progress.

“We need to prepare for any eventuality,” Martinez said.

“Whether Wayne Rooney plays or not will not be the difference between Manchester United playing with 11 or 12 men.”

“It will still be 11 against 11, and the quality in their squad is clear so whoever plays will make it a very difficult challenge for us.”

“We’ll be ready and well prepared for whoever lines up against us, and also ready to travel to one of the Premier League’s glamour stadiums.”

Although United have had a relatively patchy start to the season – drawing six of their seven away games so far – they have managed to stay unbeaten.

And Martinez believes that shows the high level of character in the United dressing room.

“Whenever you play Manchester United, you have to be at your best no matter what run of form they are in,” Martinez added.

“I know people have said they’re not at their best, but they’re unbeaten in 18 games and that shows you why they are one of the best teams in world football.”

“Most teams when they experiencing bad runs of form get beaten, but Manchester United always find the answers and a way to stay in games and remain unbeaten.”

“That’s down to the experience and know-how of their players.”

Wigan will be without midfielder James McCarthy (ankle), defender Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) and captain Gary Caldwell (thigh) for the game, while on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley is unable to face his parent club.