What the Papers Say

Last updated : 07 March 2006 By Liam Cooper
Everything was going according to plan. Wigan had outplayed United for most of the game and had gone ahead through Paul Scharners third goal for the Latics. However, it was not meant to be as Cristiano Ronaldo scored against against Wigan and Pascal Chimbonda scored an unfortunateown goal deep into injury time.

Here is what the national newspapers had to say about United's undeserved victory.


The Sun

Chim Knee Weep


Manchester United landed a lucky last-gasp win as Pascal Chimbonda blundered by KNEEING an own goal. Wigan defender Chim was distraught as United cae back from a goal down to snatch all three points.

United boss Alex Ferguson said: "It was a very important victory for us but i don't think we'll have a harder away game all season. I thought Wigan were brilliant. At the end of the day, we had a bit of luck."


The Times

Wigan revenge mission foiled by Chimbonda's poor fortune


Outplayed and outfought for long periods by a Wigan Athletic side thirsting for revenge after their 4-0 defeat in Cardiff, it cannot have sat comfortably with Manchester United that they were making their first competitive appearanceat the JJB Stadium while Chelsea wer gearing up for a crucial Champions League assignment in the Nou Camp. There were times last night when they seemed to be wishing they could be anywhere else, but, to judge by the celebrations on the bench and in the directors' box after Pascal Chimbonda's own gaol deep into stoppage time, they are determined to make the most of the poor hand they have dealt themselves this season.


The Independent

Wigan Crushed by Chimbonda's late own goal


Wigan Athletic have defined Manchester UNited's season. Not in Cardiff, where Sir Alex Ferguson's squad placed old priorities aside to chant "Champions" as they lifted the Carling Cup, but last night at the JJB Stadium where they found relief in stealing three points from Paul Jewell's side while Chelsea supporters congregated on Las Ramblas and the Champions' League hoardings were being put in place at an expectant Highbury and Anfield.


The Daily Mail

Ferguson needs R&R to down Wigan


United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was prepared to accept his team were well short of their best as they required a fortunate late goal to overcome stiff Wigan resistance at the JJB Staidum.

Paul Scharner turned in a rebound from close range to put the Latics ahead and raise hopes of exacting revenge for last week's Carling Cup final defeat, but a wayward shot with his first touch from substitute Ruud Van Nistelrooy ran perfectly into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo who fired home the equaliser.

But there was injury-time heartbreak for the Latics when Louis Saha's shot came back off the woodwork and rebounded in off Pascal Chimbonda.


The Mirror

Jewell Thieves


Louis Saha created the injury-time winner as Manchester United came from behind to rob Wigan last night.

The United striker fired against the bar and the rebound went into the net off full back Pascal Chimbonda to break Wigan boss Paul Jewell's heart.

Typically, Jewell could only see the positives and he felt the game was the perfect opportunity for his players to prove a few points.