Manchester United need just one point from their final two matches to retain the English Premier League title after fighting back from going a goal behind to win 2-1 at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday.
United can now win the title if they draw at home to Arsenal on Saturday, although a defeat will see them needing at least a point at relegation-threatened Hull City in their final match. Mid-table Wigan threatened to spoil the party on Wednesday and should have taken an early lead when winger Antonio Valencia burst clear of the United defense, but he failed to find the target with his attempted chipped finish. That miss was equalled by United striker Wayne Rooney, who headed wide with the goal at his mercy from just six-yards out. However, it was Wigan who took the lead in the 28th minute when Hugo Rodallega out-muscled Nemanja Vidic in the area before drilling a low shot past goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar.
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The tide turned just before the hour mark when United manager Sir Alex Ferguson brought on substitute Carlos Tevez, the subject of frenzied transfer speculation in recent days. Tevez scored against Manchester City on Sunday and he repeated that feat soon after coming on, diverting Michael Carrick’s low shot into the net with a deliberate flick of his heel. United pressed forward searching for a winning goal and they got it when Carrick fired home into the top corner from the edge of the area with just four minutes remaining. After the game, Ferguson reiterated his aim to keep Argentine striker Tevez, whose two-year loan deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season. Ferguson told Sky Sports: “He is a fantastic player. He knows I want him to stay. I had a chat with him today and chief executive David Gill has had meetings with him. “I’m sorry I have to keep on going on about this, it has never changed. The fact we’re not negotiating with a football club is the problem — we’ll have to see.” United are now six points clear of second-placed Liverpool, but the defending champions still need a point as Liverpool have a better goal difference.
