Bruce promises total effort

12 May 2009 17:25
Steve Bruce has assured Manchester United's rivals that Wigan will do everything they can to stop the Red Devils from marching closer to the title. United need just four points from their three remaining games and victory at the JJB Stadium on Wednesday would put them on the brink of a third straight crown. Wigan are set to finish in mid-table and have little left to play for but former Red Devils defender Bruce has insisted that his men will try their hardest. The Latics have lost their way somewhat since the halfway point of the campaign and Bruce wants to go into the summer on a high note. He explained: "It could have been a great season. But with three games left maybe this match is something that will bring the best out of us. "But there is an honesty about the Premier League. People will give everything, the honesty of the league demands that. "We are expected to put on a performance. We did last season at this same time against United when they won the title here. But we should have had a penalty, a blatant one from Rio (Ferdinand), and that could have made all the difference. "But we gave them a hell of a game then and we will do the same this time. "Against the big boys, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, here we have given them a run for their money and I hope we can match the standards we have set for ourselves." Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has predicted that Bruce could be the manager-in-waiting to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford one day. Former United skipper Bruce has thanked Whelan for the compliment but stressed that it is not something on his mind at this stage. "Sir Alex will look at the fact that he has put together another very good young team, so why should he walk away," said Bruce. "It is something I have never really thought about although it is flattering to hear my chairman saying things like that about me. "I have great memories of the club and still look for their results, I must do after playing there for 10 years. But managing there is a long way off. "But coming into management you want to be in the Premier League, but us English ones have to start off the hard way. "You learn your trade and try to do better. You always want to go to the top, and Manchester United are right at the top. "We all strive for it but there are probably a few people around better qualified than me."

Source: SKY_Sports