Martinez´s element of surprise

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez hopes to spring a surprise at Old Trafford in their Boxing Day clash with Manchester United.

The hosts have yet to register a result against the English Premier League champions in their 13 meetings, but home draws against Chelsea and Liverpool in their last two league matches have buoyed Martinez’s men.

While the Spaniard remains realistic about his side’s chances, he is hopeful Wigan can maintain their run of just one loss in their last six outings.

“In the history of the football club we have never taken a point off Manchester United and Old Trafford can be an intimidating place to go,” Martinez told reporters on Friday.

“It happens around the world: if you go to San Siro, the Bernabeu or Barcelona’s Nou Camp, sometimes in those games you are starting 1-0 down.”

“We are human beings, we are not playing a computer game.”

“It would be all too easy to prepare a game where there are no emotions attached, where there is no memory about what has happened before.”

“But what is true is that we are in a very good place at the moment, with real confidence and real belief in our play.”

“I don’t think anyone expects us to get a positive result at Old Trafford and that’s something that can give us some extra motivation and test how much we can surprise Manchester United at their own ground.”

Although United manager Alex Ferguson has an increasing injury list to deal with ahead of Monday’s fixture, Martinez believes the top Premier League clubs are more cut out to deal with fitness issues due to their large squads.

The 38-year-old said: “I don’t think that any of the top clubs can be weakened by injuries or suspensions.”

“What often happens is the other players who come in see this as a very good opportunity to make their mark.”

“You saw what happened at (United’s 5-0 win at) Fulham – one of the strongest units defensively in this league – and the way they won this game showed there was no sign of weakness.”

“But I am very happy with our form against Chelsea and Liverpool, including our attacking play.”

“To get 10 attempts on goal against a team like Liverpool shows the attacking threat that we have.”