Manchester United moved to within a point of the Premier League title as they came from behind to defeat Wigan 2-1 at the JJB Stadium. In torrential rain, Wigan battled hard and made United fight all the way and Steve Bruce's men will feel they deserved a point for their tenacious display.
Certainly they were good value for their half time lead given them by Hugo Rodallega just on the half-hour.
With The Reds looking jaded at the start of the second period Carlos Tevez was introduced from the bench and again made an immediate impact.
Within four minutes of coming onto the field a cheeky back heel brought the champions elect level.
Wigan now had to defend as United poured forward and on 86 minutes the Latics rearguard was finally breached.
Michael Carrick drove a splendid eighteen yard drive past Richard Kingson to provoke wild scenes of jubilation on the United bench.
The Reds now have two games, at home game against Arsenal or the trip to Hull City on the last day of the season to complete the formalities of another title triumph.
There has been much fevered speculation over the Old Trafford future of Tevez, but speaking after the game Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson was confident the Argentinean would stay.
"He (Tevez) is a fantastic little player," he told Sky Sports.
"He knows I want him to stay. I've had a chat with him today, David Gill (Chief Executive) has had some meetings with him today and it has progressed.
"We hope we get what we want. I keep saying that the situation has not changed.
"We're not negotiating with a football club and that is the problem. Carlos himself is OK and the terms he has been offered are good."
As to the match, Ferguson continued, "We were against a very determined Wigan side.
"It was a real tough hurdle today and the team were fantastic in the second half in terms of their determination, not giving in and keeping going until we got a little break and at the end of the day we were the better team in the second half.
"The first thing I said (at half-time) was keep your discipline because the referee was annoying them with a lot of decisions - but you can't beat the referee.
"Cristiano Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick tonight and we had a lot of chances - I felt he should have also had a penalty.
"We just needed to stay patient."
