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PREMIER LEAGUE RESULT
Wigan 1-2 Man Utd

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

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By Jonathan Stevenson

2215: That's it from me, you'll be delighted to learn. Huge apologies for being so pro/anti-Man Utd today, depending on which side of that debate you took. Congrats to United anyways, there's no doubt they deserve their 11th Premier League title. Join Cheesy on Saturday, when the champions take on Arsenal knowing a draw will wrap it all up. Night.

From Swiss Scouser, via text on 81111: "United rub salt in Liverpool wounds again! First they came from behind against Villa, then Spurs, now Wigan - sometimes I think they do it on purpose."

From samfiske on 606: "I love Tevez to bits, I would much rather pay for him and have no more summer signings than to lose him - especially to a rival. Credit to Wigan though, they gave us a really good game today."
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Carlos Tevez knows we want him to stay, I've had a chat with him today - it's never changed. But the fact that we're not negotiating with a football club is a problem."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "We were up against a real tough hurdle today, but we were fantastic today, they never stopped, kept going and we got the breaks in the end. The referee was annoying the players in the first half but you can't play the referee, you have to shut up and get on with it."

2203: Thanks for your Danny the Stat jingles. Here's the man himself, all jingle bells: "Hmm. We appear to have a bit of "Rater Lag" (it'll catch on) in effect right now. Every single Wigan player is currently rated higher than Man Utd's top man, who is Wayne "6.38" Rooney. But get in there quick "looking at the Player Rater scores as described by Danny the Stat" fans - I've a feeling that's going to change very soon.... Involved. Get. You."
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From Rob, Liverpool fan, via text on 81111: "That was agony. Every click of the refresh button was like dragging my finger nails down a blackboard."

BBC Radio 5 Live's Paul Jewell: "Without wanting to get all sentimental about it, that was a brilliant game of football, great advert for it. And he wasn't at his best for Manchester United, but who was the guy heading that last corner away inside his own penalty area? Cristiano Ronaldo."

2155: Full-time Wigan 1-2 Manchester United
Wigan did not deserve to lose, but this was all about what it takes to be champions of the Premier League and Manchester United have provided a textbook performance in that regard. Never at their best, but they have done enough. They always seem to just do enough.

From an angry Jon in Cardiff, via text on 81111: "What are Wigan doing! All they had to do was hold out for a second half!"

2151: We're into three minutes of injury time at the JJB Stadium.

2150: Ryan Giggs does well to force the ball through to Cristiano Ronaldo and his pace gives him a chance 15 yards out, but he tries to burst the net with sheer power and lashes wildly over the crossbar.

2149: Dimitar Berbatov is withdrawn and Park Ji-Sung comes on for Manchester United.

2149: Let's spare a thought for Wigan - they do not deserve to lose tonight. But United just do not know when they are beaten, and someone always pops up when they need inspiration.

2147: GOAL Wigan 1-2 Manchester United
That's why they're the champions. Cristiano Ronaldo clips the ball in for John O'Shea down the United right and his ball across the 18-yard box is just beautifully caressed with his left foot into the top corner of Richard Kingson's net by Michael Carrick. It's another majestic goal, and they only need a point to wrap up the league on Saturday now.

2145: Great run down the right from Cristiano Ronaldo, sprinting into a dangerous position and firing over a cross to the six-yard box, but Titus Bramble does well to prevent Carlos Tevez getting a shot in.

From kokomanutd on 606: "When it's not your day, it's really not. Cristiano Ronaldo might as well call it a day."
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2143: Charles N'Zogbia's had a really good game for Wigan and he is taken off, replaced by the mercurial Egyptian striker Mido.

2142: Look, let's not make this a constant criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, but he's got to hit the target from 18 yards after a lovely little lay-off from Carlos Tevez. It's high and wide and Fergie is furious. Lucky not to have been taken off, maybe.

2141: Wigan play some keep-ball but give it away and Ryan Giggs breaks, the ball eventually ending with Wayne Rooney in the Wigan area, but his shot lacks power and direction and Richard Kingson gathers.

2138: Wayne Rooney collides with Paul Scharner on the edge of the Wigan box and the ball falls for Cristiano Ronaldo to hammer in a left-footed shot that is deflected into the arms of Richard Kingson.

2137: Not his night (tempting fate?) - Cristiano Ronaldo's third poor free-kick slaps into the Wigan wall and from the rebound, Michael Carrick curls past the angle of post and crossbar.

2136: Paul Scholes, after a very quiet 74 minutes, makes way for the evergreen Ryan Giggs.

Wayne, watching from the sofa, via text on 81111: "Tevez is a 12th man. Is the contract saga kidology to make sure the work-rate doesn't falter until the end of the season? You can never fault Tevez's effort, but is this more Fergie mind games?"

2133: Hissy fit number two. Cristiano Ronaldo bursts into the penalty area at electric pace after a great one-two with Carlos Tevez and a slight touch from Maynor Figueroa brings him down, which is no surprise when he's moving so fast. But the tantrum after is utterly needless. Have a word with yourself, son.

2131: Paul Scharner breaks from the Wigan midfield but his intended pass to Charles N'Zobgia is slid away importantly by the covering Michael Carrick.

2131: We've got about 20 minutes left at Wigan and Manchester United fancy winning this. Remember if it stays like this, United will have to beat Arsenal at home on Saturday to win the league at Old Trafford.

2129: Carlos Tevez latches on to a fine Patrice Evra pass from the left-back berth and he's flagged offside - it was close, I won't lie to you. Could've gone either way.

2128: United are looking a little bit ominous right now, it has to be said. And all this with Cristiano Ronaldo still not playing very well at all. Have Wigan got another surprise in store, though?

From onithor on 606: "Outrageous, If Carlos Tevez wants to dance he should go on dancing with the stars. Not dancing with the ball."
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2124: Carlos Tevez races back way into his own half to dispossess Paul Scharner. 'Fergie Fergie sign him on' reverberates around the JJB Stadium. Brilliant.

2122: GOAL Wigan 1-1 Manchester United
Yeah, he's making a case for himself isn't he? On the pitch for four minutes, and Carlos Tevez has scored a truly magnificent goal. Michael Carrick's slightly miscued shot is hit at the Argentine and he flicks the ball wonderfully between his legs into the corner of the net, pirouetting in the process before wheeling away to celebrate with his adoring faithful. Quite a case.

2120: Who's trying to score the perfect goal, then? Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov weave some pretty patterns down the United right and get into the Wigan box, but they still just cannot fashion a clear-cut opportunity.

2118: Carlos Tevez comes on for Manchester United and it is the ineffective Anderson who is hauled off. So, all four of them are on - can Wigan survive?

From David, Chesterfield, via text on 81111: "Stevo, can you please confirm that Wigan only have 11 players on the pitch? There's no space for United at all at the moment."

Affirmative.

2116: Paul Scharner executes a perfect challenge on Wayne Rooney inside the Wigan area - the United fans want a penalty, but the players don't - they knew how good a tackle it was.

2116: Carlos Tevez is very close to coming on, so Fergie's not wasting any time.

2115: Wigan are playing some lovely football in the middle of the park and Charles N'Zogbia slips in Maynor Figueroa down the left, but the left-back's shot flies a bit off target from a tight angle. Cracking approach play though.

2113: Nemanja Vidic is having a real problem with Hugo Rodallega tonight and he concedes a corner after more pressure from the goalscoring striker, but this one eventually comes to nothing.

From HewittIsGod on 606: "Is the script not just perfectly written for Tevez to pop up with an equaliser/winner late on? It would just be typical Tevez, he seems to always get us something just when we need it most."
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2110: Cristiano Ronaldo plays a one-two with Dimitar Berbatov but he's a long way out and his 30-yard strike bobbles wide of Richard Kingson's goal. Not sure the Ghanaian has made a save yet.

2109: Wayne Rooney is already dropping very deep as United dominate possession early on. He needs to get a bit further up the field to influence the play.

2108: I've just noticed that Hugo Rodallega is wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt and gloves at the JJB tonight. Let's hope he grows out of that.

2106: The second half starts at the JJB Stadium and Manchester United were out way before Wigan. Are we 45 minutes away from the Premier League title race being just a little bit back on?

2103: United's options from the bench are as follows: Kuszczak, Neville, Giggs, Park, Nani, Rafael Da Silva, Tevez.

From Silence on 606: "I think United just need to calm down a bit, they are playing some decent stuff and if Rooney had taken his chances it could be 1-2. There's 45 minutes and no need to panic."
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Jam in Chippenham, via text on 81111: "As a Liverpool fan I want to believe that a United loss tonight can give us a fighting chance, but in my heart I can't bring myself to believe they can slip up enough to throw the title away now."

2054: What would Danny the Stat's jingle be, do you think? Anyway, here he is: "Generous. That's the word I'm using to describe the score of 7.35 the users of our Player Rater have given to Wayne Rooney - making him the top scorer so far. Could it be that you are voting for him on reputation alone? Surely not. Danny the Stat doesn't believe that. But doesn't Hugo Rodallega deserve a tad more than his 7.24? Get involved..."
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2050: Half-time Wigan 1-0 Manchester United
Makes life a little more interesting, doesn't it? Wigan have been sensational so far, making life very, very difficult for the visitors, who are some way off their best at the moment. Expect United to improve after the hairdryer, though.

2049: Lovely move from Wigan, great build-up play from Lee Cattermole and Luis Valencia ends with a pass through to Hugo Rodallega, who fires left-footed past the post from 16 yards.

2048: We're into two minutes of first-half stoppage time.

2046: United move the ball at lightning pace, about four really neat touches on the edge and just inside the Wigan box, but it ends with Wayne Rooney leaning back and blazing over.

2045: Cristiano Ronaldo beats the Wigan offside trap superbly, with Mario Melchiot playing him on, but he's flagged anyway. Are they trying to bring him to tears?

2044: Another rubbish effort. Hmm. Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick thumps into the wall again and do you know what? He looks like he might just cry. Or is it only the rain...

2043: Lee Cattermole has made some brilliant challenges tonight but this time he gives away a needless free-kick 25 yards out, left of centre. Cristiano Ronaldo wants this one, too...

2042: Cristiano Ronaldo goes down after a tackle from Michael Brown but makes the world's quickest recovery and is soon back in the mixer. Good grimace, too.

From Terry the Tottenham fan, Cornwall, via text on 81111: "It wasn't long ago that the mighty Spurs made the mistake of going 2-0 up against United. Wigan, score again at your peril."

2040: Hugo Rodallega tries to go up for a header on halfway with Nemanja Vidic and the defender's elbow appears to catch the Colombian around the throat area. That may make it sound worse than it was, in fairness.

2038: Hissy fit number one. Cristiano Ronaldo is tackled by Lee Cattermole, it's a brilliant sliding challenge and the Portuguese is livid that Rob Styles doesn't give a free-kick. His arms flap so quickly when he's angry, young Ronnie.

2037: Rob Styles has told Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar to stop banging on about the Wigan goal, pointing to the tunnel if they continue their protests. They really just need to get on with the game.

2035: Cristiano Ronaldo cannot get into this game at all - for every silky smooth Dimitar Berbatov touch, Ronaldo goes and gives it away. Charles N'Zogbia spanks another Wigan shot wide from 20 yards. Very entertaining game.

From Silence on 606: "Looked like a free-kick to me but poor defending either way. I like doing it the hard way."
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Not a foul in one thousand million years. Fact.

2033: Go on, be honest. If you're a Liverpool fan, your hopes just rose a teeny, tiny little fraction, didn't they?

2031: GOAL Wigan 1-0 Manchester United
Nemanja Vidic is furious, but the usually imperious defender can have no complaints. A long Lee Cattermole pass into the United area sees Vidic and Hugo Rodallega go up together and as the ball loops into the air Vidic loses his footing and Rodallega fires it past Edwin van der Sar at the near post. Game. On.

2029: Wigan play the ball slickly from right to left across the Man Utd penalty area and Maynor Figueroa thumps the ball a couple of yards over Edwin van der Sar's bar. Lower, lower, says Brucie.

2026: Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick thumps into the wall and he looks a touch frustrated.

2025: Emmerson Boyce trips up Patrice Evra about 25 yards out. I hope they didn't make him too angry...

2024: It's a good night for sliding tackles and Michael Brown gets on his knees to stop a Wayne Rooney shot. Moments later and the Wigan fans have some fun with Cristiano Ronaldo after he slipped while in possession and despite his frantic efforts, could not win the ball back. Don't they know you shouldn't make him angry?

2022: Michael Carrick finds himself as Manchester United's furthest man forward and he doesn't want to shoot but does, dragging it wide of the far post from about 20 yards. It's really lively this one.

From Sam, Sheffield, via text on 81111: "I don't care what people say about Tevez's work-rate. You can buy new energy. You can't buy Berbatov's class."

2019: Jonny Evans gets caught out on halfway and Hugo Rodallega runs at Nemanja Vidic with pace before rifling in a low shot from 20 yards that Edwin van der Sar does well to handle in the conditions.

2017: Charles N'Zogbia curls a free-kick from the right-hand edge of the United 18-yard box that Edwin van der Sar does well to tip away. It's got an end-of-term feel to it, this one.

From icebob24 on 606: "The best chance of Wigan getting anything here is Rob Styles awarding a penalty to Wigan and sending to United players off for innocuous tackles."
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2014: Too good now, United could have had two in a minute. Dimitar Berbatov slips in Cristiano Ronaldo on the right-hand side of the Wigan box and his cross is clipped over the bar on the half-volley by Michael Carrick.

2013: How has he missed? Fabulous play down the right from Dimitar Berbatov, who ghosts past Titus Bramble and curls over a sensational cross to the edge of the six-yard box, where Wayne Rooney somehow contrives to head wide. I still don't know how.

2012: By the way, it's starting to hammer it down at the JJB Stadium now, as United begin to settle. What happened to summer?

2010: Nemanja Vidic, while tracking back trying to get at Luis Valencia (see 2004), appears on the replay to clip the Wigan man's right leg just before he was about to shoot. Hmm.

2009: First United attack, but Wayne Rooney is half a yard offside from a threatening Paul Scholes pass.

From Alex Rolland, via text on 81111: "My brother just called me and he is sitting behind the United bench. He said Fergie looks like a nervous wreck whilst Bruce just looks like he's out for an evening stroll!"

2006: What's happened to United's defence? They are half asleep as Wigan knock it around on the edge of their box and Michael Brown's shot from 18 yards is blocked.

2005: Tempting to say that might already be the pivotal moment of the night. Tempting...

2004: What a chance for supposed Manchester United target Luis Valencia. He nicks the ball ahead of Nemanja Vidic on halfway and from then on there's only one thing gonna happen - he races clear through and goes one-on-one with Edwin van der Sar, but clips his shot over the keeper and wide. Should have scored.

2003: Believe it or not, we are under way at the JJB Stadium courtesy of referee Rob Styles, who quite likes cards. Watch this space.

2000: Sir Alex Ferguson has only been beaten five times in 55 Premier League matches against teams managed by one of his former players. That's just a touch over 9%.

1958: The players are out at the JJB Stadium. United were in the tunnel first, they don't look like they're in the mood to muck around. Let's hope Wigan are bang up for it too.

From lewishamiltontowin on 606: "Hey Stevo. Do you remember 1997-98 season. Man Utd lead the title by 11 points from Arsenal, Arsenal went on to win it. Could Liverpool..."
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No. Also, who's Lewis Hamilton?

Wigan boss Steve Bruce: "Manchester United don't lose many - I've tried, as many people have over the years. All you can do is go out there and do your best. We know they'll want to wrap the title up tonight, we know what to expect, but we're looking forward to the challenge and we'll give a good account of ourselves."

1950: This is Wigan's 150th game in the Premier League and their 75th at home, but they are still searching for a first top-flight win over a member of the 'Big Four'. Steve Bruce has never beaten Fergie either, with 10 defeats from 12 games.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "Wigan are a big strong, athletic team and they will be up for it, so we have to match them in the physical department. As for Rio Ferdinand, we thought he would make it for today, but even Saturday might be a bit too soon for him now. It would be great if we could win the title in front of our own fans at the weekend."

From Dan, Durham, via text on 81111: "See 1933 - What about when Diego Forlan left for Villareal in 2004 and Chelsea stormed it? If something similar happened with Tevez imagine the damage!"

1943: Liverpool-fans-holding-out-any-sort-of-hope-still-even-though-you-really-should-know-better-by-now: there's not much hope tonight. Man United have won their last six Premier League games, while Wigan are chasing a first win in six. Sorry.

1940: Wigan go with Richard Kingson in goal, because Chris Kirkland is still ruled out with the back injury he suffered at West Brom on Saturday. Manchester United restore Wayne Rooney to their attack, with Carlos Tevez on the bench. Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Anderson come in for Ji-Sung Park, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher. John O'Shea replaces Rafael at right-back, but Rio Ferdinand is still ruled out.

From CymruSaint on 606: "Hey Stevo, did you know eight years ago today Southampton beat Man Utd 2-1 at The Dell? Didn't really affect the title race back then, but I thought it'd be good to reminisce a bit. Those were the days..."
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Ah, bless you. You'll be back, son.

1935: What won't have helped old Carlitos is his little 'cupped ears' celebration after scoring on Sunday. 'Are you listening, Fergie?' Yes, he was. Good luck finding a new club is what he might have been thinking.

1933: So much chat about Carlos Tevez being on the bench, so many Man United fans questioning Sir Alex Ferguson. I mean, what does the most successful manager ever have to do for you lot to trust him? He knows that Tevez is not worth £32m and he will either bide his time until he gets him for a lower price or let Bayern Munich or AC Milan or someone else take the gamble. Trust me - it won't hurt Manchester United. It never does.

1930: Oh go on then. Stevo's ever-so-slightly-optimistic Predo (no, not because I want United to win the league. Yawn):
Wigan 2-4 Man Utd

From Kester, Manchester, via text on 81111: "As I teach statistics I should know better, but got a feeling Ronaldo has been lucky with injuries, and it's time we sold him before fate catches up. Real can deal with him - be past his best soon."

1924: Carlos Tevez is warming up at the JJB Stadium with a grin bordering on the ludicrous spread all over his Argentine face. Hmm, I wonder what the sub's got so much to be pleased about - has his future been decided, unbeknownst to us? Surely not unbeknownst to Fergie? I wonder who it's not unbeknownst to...

1922: Manchester United won this corresponding fixture last season 2-0 at the JJB, the game that bagged them the Premier League title just in front of Chelsea.

From ArnoldTheBarbarian on 606: "I think a win for Utd is really important tonight. If they only get a draw, they have to play Arsenal at 1200 on Saturday, so that's only two days rest. Arsenal have had the whole week to prepare and Andrey Arshavin should have recovered from his virus by now."
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1915: Wigan v Manchester United line-ups
Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Scharner, Brown, N'Zogbia, Rodallega.
Subs: Pollitt, Edman, Watson, Koumas, De Ridder, Mido, Kapo.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Ronaldo, Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, Neville, Giggs, Park, Nani, Rafael Da Silva, Tevez.
Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire)

From Grant in Gloucester, via text on 81111: "Did you hear Dave Whelan's quote today? 'It would be a shame if we beat Man Utd tonight'. Think about it Dave, beat them and prolong the title race!"

1910: Whatever you want to talk about - hey, even if it's not Manchester United related it's acceptable - here's how to throw yourself into the mixer: text, on 81111, and join the debate on 606. Do it, do it now.
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1906: Hearing that Manchester United are still without Rio Ferdinand, while Carlos Tevez has to once again settle for a place on the bench. Full team news to follow.

1905: What do you mean Manchester United can take an enormous step towards winning the Premier League tonight? Oh yeah, I see your point. Win, and the champions only need to draw against Arsenal on Saturday to bag a remarkable 11th Prem title. Surely it's in the bag?

1900: So Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo is heading to Real Madrid, and Wigan's Luis Antonio Valencia is heading to Manchester United. Anything else to talk about tonight?

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