United may have beaten Wigan Athletic 4-0 on Saturday
afternoon, but Sir Alex’s men won't spend too long reveling in the
victory.
Instead, Darren Fletcher says attentions will turn immediately
to games against Chelsea and Liverpool in a week the Scot admits
could prove pivotal in the title race.
“It’s a massive week,” he told MUTV. “We’ve
already been away to Marseille and Wigan – we have four away games
in a row – and now we’re down to two.
“We know it’s going to be difficult because Chelsea and
Liverpool are two big rivals of Manchester United. But we’ll
prepare mentally and physically for those games.”
On Saturday, the Reds weathered an early Wigan storm to lead at
half-time before three goals in the final 16 minutes secured the
three points. The scoreline, though, didn’t reflect the game’s true
nature.
“It was a difficult game and we knew it would be,” Fletcher
said. “Wigan play open, expansive football. They have a go at you
and have a lot of pace in attacking areas. Edwin van der Sar had to
make three fantastic saves in the first half to keep us in the
game.
“We knew the longer the game went on our quality would shine
through. We were endeavouring to get Chicharito in behind the
defence so he could use his pace and that’s what happened. Wigan
always attack, from the first minute to the last minute, and maybe
that’s their downfall sometimes. But that’s the way their manager
believes they should play and it means when you play against them
you have to be wary at the back. But you also know that if you
defend well then you can get chances on the counter-attack.”
The win sent the Reds four points clear of Arsenal, who don’t
have a Premier League fixture this weekend due to their involvement
in the Carling Cup final. It’s a position Fletcher’s delighted
with, and he says the league title is now United’s to lose.
“There are 11 games left in the league and it’s in our hands.
That’s all you can ask for at this stage of the season. You want to
be up at the top of the league. When you’re behind you have to hope
for other people to do you favours.”