Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United they'll need to be on top form in their potential title-clincher against Arsenal on Saturday after watching his side come from behind to beat Wigan.
United now require just one point to be guaranteed their third consecutive Premier League crown and have two remaining fixtures in which to gain it, against Arsene Wenger's men at Old Trafford or against Hull City on May 24, the final day of the season.
All the expectations are that the title party will start on Saturday, but the United manager insists his side will have to keep their focus against the Londoners if they are to claim their 18th overall league championship.
"We will approach the game the same as we always approach them," Ferguson said. "We will try and win the match against a very good Arsenal side.
"We know how good they are and we need to prepare and perform on Saturday and hopefully we will do."
Wigan almost derailed United's title ambitions after deservedly taking the lead through Hugo Rodallega just before the half-hour after Nemanja Vidic had failed to head clear and allowed the Colombian to slot home.
But a backheeled finish from substitute Carlos Tevez and a fine 87th minute shot from Carrick helped United turn the score around.
Ferguson added: "We were up against a very determined Wigan side but we were fantastic in the second half in terms of determination and not giving in.
"We just kept going, got a little break and at the end of the day we were the better team in the second half.
"At half-time I told them to keep their discipline because you can't beat the referee, you have to keep them on your side, so keep sharp and play the game and we proved that from there.
"We had to keep patient. It was a really gutsy performance from us."
Ferguson also made his strongest hint yet that Tevez will remain as a United player next season player following months of speculation about his future.
The Argentinian's loan deal at Old Trafford runs out this summer and Ferguson is known to be reluctant to pay the fee that Tevez's 'owners' Media Sports Investment (MSI) are demanding.
MSI control Tevez's playing rights and want United to part with 22 million pounds for the player -- on top of the ten million they have already paid for his two seasons at Old Trafford.
But despite the ongoing wrangling, Ferguson insists he wants Tevez to sign a long-term deal at Old Trafford.
"He is a fantastic little player," Ferguson added. "He knows that I want him to stay and I had another chat with him today again.
"(United chief executive) David Gill has had some meetings again and it's progressed and I hope we get to where we want to get.
"I'm sorry I have to keep on about this all the time because that's never changed.
"We are not negotiating with a football club and that is the problem. I think Carlos himself is OK and the terms he has been offered are good so we will see."
Wigan manager Steve Bruce was left disappointed by the result but was still impressed that his side almost managed to overcome the Premier League leaders.
Wigan have failed to beat any of English football's recognized 'big four' in any of the 32 encounters they have played against them since their promotion to the top-flight four years ago.
(AFP via China Daily May 15, 2009)
