Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic preview - Evans refuses to take Wigan lightly
Posted Monday, December 26, 2011 by PA
Jonny Evans needs only to recall his loan spells at Sunderland to know that Manchester United could be in for a difficult Boxing Day against Wigan.
On the face of it, United's Christmas visitors should present few problems at Old Trafford. The Latics are currently in the relegation zone, have never even managed a draw in 13 previous meetings, and the aggregate score from their last four encounters is 16-0.
Yet Roberto Martinez's men have lost just once in their last six games, including home draws with Chelsea and Liverpool, and they will make the short trip down the M6 free from any expectations.
And Evans is sure Wigan will arrive in Manchester ready to scrap for every ball.
"I was involved in a bit of a relegation battle at Sunderland," said Evans, who spent two half-seasons on Wearside in 2007 and 2008. "Against the big teams we actually tended to play a bit better.
"You relax a bit because the pressure's off and lift yourself. You are not expected to pick up points and obviously, that can help you.
"I know at the minute Wigan are near the bottom of the league but they have had some decent results in the last few weeks.
"They've drawn against both Liverpool and Chelsea and it is going to be tough."
Evans has also noted a change in philosophy among teams visiting Old Trafford, with a greater determination to go on the attack very much in evidence.
"When I used to watch as a fan I remember always thinking the away team never really tried to score," he said. "They'd just sit back and play one up front.
"There has been a bit of a shift in that philosophy over the last few years. Teams are coming to Old Trafford and thinking they may as well go for it."
United have already started their festive programme well, smashing five goals past Fulham on Wednesday following a convincing win at QPR the previous weekend.
However, with Manchester City on top form too, that form must be maintained, which could be bad news for both Wigan and rock-bottom Blackburn, who visit Old Trafford on New Year's Eve.
And while Evans refuses to complain about the sacrifices that professional footballers make at this time of year, he admits relief at not having to embark on a lengthy Christmas Day journey this season.
"It's a period we enjoy," he said. "You'd think we get annoyed because we don't get to spend Christmas with our family, but it's quite a nice feeling coming into training on Christmas morning.
"It's only a short and sharp session and the Boxing Day game is always a big one for the fans.
"And the fact we have two home games this season is an advantage as well.
"I can remember in the past spending Christmas night travelling up to Sunderland, for instance.
"It's good to be at home and we don't have to leave the house until a bit later."
Phil Jones should be available after it was revealed he did not suffer a broken cheekbone at Fulham but Ashley Young (knee) is out for a few weeks.
Skipper Gary Caldwell insists Wigan can get a result against United for the first time in the club's history.
Caldwell claims draws against Chelsea and Liverpool have inspired Wigan to believe they can finally upset the odds.
He said: "To do something this club has never done before and get a result from Old Trafford would be very special.
"We're going there ready to give everything we've got, full of confidence and with a belief that we can do something.
"Of course, they're a top team, have home advantage and are right in the thick of a title challenge, so it'll be very difficult but an excellent opportunity to continue the strong run we're on.
"To lead the out into the best stadium in the league will be a special moment; as a kid growing up I remember watching the likes of Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs playing there and taking opponents by storm.
"So it'll be a big day for everyone concerned and we all believe we can get something from the game and make it a special day for the fans."
Although they are still third-from-bottom, Martinez says he is not even entertaining the possibility of relegation.
Martinez said: "It's a big mistake to start talking about relegation in December. We are ready to face adversity and be as good as we can.
"I always say that for me there is no bottom three. The way the competition has been going it's a bottom 13."
Martinez will assess defender Steve Gohouri (flu) and striker Hugo Rodallega before deciding on his squad to travel to Old Trafford.
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