Bruce: I want to win and the Latics fans can play their par

Latics manager Steve Bruce has issued a very clear message ahead of the game against Manchester United on Sunday: "We will go for it!"

And he has called on the Latics fans to play their part too.

"The JJB is sold out," says Bruce, "there will be a lot of noise and the atmosphere generated by the Wigan fans can play a part."

The manager has laughed off speculation that he will somehow make things easy for his former manager, Alex Ferguson.

"I want to win on Sunday make no mistake," said Bruce, "I have the utmost respect for Sir Alex, for everything he has done for me and for what he has achieved in his career.

"But I know he will not be expecting any favours from me on Sunday."

They eyes of the footballing world will be focused on the JJB Stadium come three o'clock Sunday, with a television audience likely to run into billions and Bruce says with an occasion like this, he wants the club to do itself proud.

"My first priority was for us to be safe, that goes without saying, and I'm mighty glad that we don't need anything on Sunday to secure our Premier League survival.

"But that means that we can approach the game totally relaxed and focused on trying to win.

"You ask any of the 16 players in the squad on Sunday if they will be taking it easy. They will be going for it, mark my words. Everyone wants to play in this game.

"I've heard a load of rubbish being spoken this week about us lying down for Manchester United.

"I can't guarantee a win of course, but I can guarantee we'll be giving it our best shot!