Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey looks at the situation regarding the extra pressure being placed on Steve Bruce to ensure that his Wigan side put up a fight on Sunday and wonders if there are more sinister forces at work.

Under Paul Jewell Wigan had lost all 20 of their meetings with the big four since promotion in 2005, but since Steve Bruce took over the club have shared points at Anfield and Stamford Bridge, as well as holding Arsenal at the JJB Stadium.

However, Bruce's motives ahead of Sunday's game against the club with which he won three league titles are being called into question in a shocking bid to unstable and place extra pressure on his side.

"Everybody who knows me knows me better than that," Bruce told the BBC.

"What am I going to say to the team? 'Just roll over and let Man United win'?

"That's not going to happen. Make no mistake; we'll be trying our utmost."

United will, all things considered, most probably wrap up the title with victory on Sunday, but Bruce should not have to explain his sides performance before the game has even taken place.

The lack of respect he is being shown - effectively being accused of telling his players to take it easy - is worrying if nothing else.

Bruce, who is tipped as a potential United boss of the future, would arguably be more fondly remembered for putting up a decent fight rather than simply rolling over. Is it not a worrying state of the Premier League that managers of opposition clubs have to voice their concerns and hope that their peers at other clubs do their job properly? Mind games are one thing, but suggesting that managers favour clubs is another.

As a Wigan fan, are you offended that your side's manager is seen as one who is likely to buckle under the pressure and do his former side a favour? United fans, do you think that this will drive Bruce on to scupper the title bid?