Whelan wary of Bruce exit

Wigan chairman would not stand in manager's way

Last updated: 9th May 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Whelan wary of Bruce exit

Bruce: Could be in demand

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Wigan chairman Dave Whelan admits he would not prevent manager Steve Bruce from joining Manchester United, if Sir Alex Ferguson retires this summer.

Whelan fears Ferguson could decide to quit Old Trafford at the end of the season if United secure a domestic-European Double, and that Bruce may prove the perfect replacement.

United travel to Wigan on Sunday for their last game of the season well aware that three points would secure the Premier League title, while Ferguson is also preparing his side for a UEFA Champions League final meeting with Chelsea.

And Whelan is concerned that a possible Ferguson retirement may see Bruce, a former United captain, leave the JJB Stadium.

Sorry

"When United come to choose a new manager, if they go for Steve Bruce you have no chance of standing in their way," Whelan said in the Daily Star.

"I wouldn't contemplate doing so if United came for Steve. I would be delighted for him and sorry for the club.

"If Sir Alex wins another European title this year - which I hope he does - he may decide he has had enough."

Whelan, though, is hoping to upset United on Sunday, a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, as Wigan look to repeat last weekend's victory over Aston Villa.

Confident

"Make no doubt about it," Whelan added. "If we can beat Manchester United we will do.

"Our lads are up for it big-style. They are relaxed and confident - they won at Aston Villa last Saturday and played really well.

"If they put in another performance like they did against Villa I would say United have got a hell of a fight on their hands."