Martinez relishing Old Trafford test

Boss Roberto Martinez admits history and emotions may weigh heavily against his Wigan side as they hope against hope to avoid the traditional annual stuffing at Old Trafford this Boxing Day.

Wigan have never even taken a point off Manchester United and Martinez is not counting on toasting victory when he shares the traditional post-match glass of wine with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Yet the Latics are at least making the trip in improved shape, having just battled to draws against Liverpool and Chelsea.

They now have only one defeat in their last six games, a huge improvement after a run of nine successive defeats, and Martinez hopes the lack of expectation can work in Wigan's favour.

"In the history of the football club we have never taken a point off Manchester United and Old Trafford can be an intimidating place to go," said Martinez. "It happens around the world, if you go to San Siro, the Bernabeu or Barcelona's Nou Camp, sometimes in those games you are starting 1-0 down. We are human beings, we are not playing a computer game.

"It would be all too easy to prepare a game where there are no emotions attached, where there is no memory about what has happened before. But what is true is that we are in a very good place at the moment, with real confidence and real belief in our play. I don't think anyone expects us to get a positive result at Old Trafford and that's something that can give us some extra motivation and test how much we can surprise Manchester United at their own ground."