Not losing just not good enough for Alex

ALEX FERGUSON is refusing to take much pleasure from the fact Manchester United remain undefeated this term and is still angry at the points they have tossed away.

It is one of the quirks of a crazy Premier League campaign that the Red Devils are yet to suffer a defeat, yet lie only third in the table. The reason is obvious. Far too many draws. Indeed, United have finished level in more matches this term than they have actually won.

Not that Ferguson was complaining at Villa Park last weekend when, by his own admission, United could have been six goals adrift before they launched one of their famous comebacks to earn a share of the spoils and deny Gerard Houllier’s men a deserved triumph.

Yet there have been times this term, notably at Fulham and Everton, when the Red Devils have been on the wrong end of a thrilling finale.

They conceded a late equaliser at Craven Cottage after Nani had missed a penalty that surely would have sealed all three points, whilst at Goodison Park United were two goals ahead as the match entered stoppage time and still did not win.

Ferguson regards Bolton as another place where victory was thrown away, although given the Trotters are now fifth — and twice took the lead at the Reebok Stadium — that may be stretching a point.

“People make a story about us being undefeated, but we’ve thrown points away,” Ferguson declared. “Last week we stole one, so maybe that balances itself out.

“But we are still angry at ourselves at losing late goals. We have got this great record of scoring late goals, but we have suffered from it on the opposite side this season.”

United would not expect to suffer this weekend as Wigan are still to gain a point off their neighbours in 10 Premier League meetings, losing by five goals twice last term.

They were also beaten in the 2006 Carling Cup final, in which Wayne Rooney scored twice in a 4-0 win.

Rooney could therefore have no better side to ease his way back to form against as he restarts his season after a difficult first few months scarred by injury, a World Cup hangover and that intense week when it seemed he was leaving, only to eventually sign a five-year contract.

After spending a week doing conditioning work in the United States, the 25-year-old has been back training once more.

Ferguson is dubious about whether Rooney is going to start today but, with a trip to Rangers looming in the Champions League on Wednesday, he is eager to get his star man out onto the pitch at some point.

“I don’t think Wayne will start but he may make the bench,” said Ferguson.

“He will certainly play against Rangers on Wednesday.’’

For his part, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes United are in the perfect position in the Premier League ahead of his side’s trip to Old Trafford.

“In my eyes Manchester United are just where they want to be. They are starting to get the important players reaching their moment of form.

“They’ve got injured players that are going to come back just at the right time and they’re just sitting in a very good position in the table just to peak at the right time in the campaign.’’