Latics won't lie down

Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan has angrily dismissed claims that his side will not stand in the way of United retaining the Premier League title this weekend.

The Reds travel to the JJB Stadium knowing that a win will secure a 17th league title. Although former United club captain Steve Bruce is at the Latics’ helm, Whelan insists rumours that Wigan will lie down are scurrilous.

“All this rubbish in the press about ‘we will be rolling over for Manchester United’ is complete and absolute rubbish,” Whelan told an audience at the Latics’ annual awards dinner.

“You ask the boys, they’ll be fighting their socks off, I’ll tell you. If we can beat Man U, we are going to beat them. We’re going to get stuck in and give it our best shot.

“Whatever they say in Chelsea, we’re Wigan, and we will try and beat any team that comes to the JJB Stadium.”

Following his side's victory at Newcastle on Monday, Chelsea captain John Terry issued a thinly-veiled plea for the Latics to do his side a favour on Sunday.

"They'll do the Premier League justice and will go out there wanting to beat Man U," he told Sky Sports. "We've worked our socks off all year, so we'd be disappointed if they don't."