Latics boss lauds star duo

Paul Jewell paid tribute to Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo after the young pair conspired to bury his Wigan side on Boxing Day.

Ronaldo scored twice within four minutes of his half-time introduction, while Rooney was outstanding throughout the Reds' 3-1 win.

Although the England striker was frustrated in front of goal, it was his all-round contribution which caught Jewell's eye.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is brilliant," said Jewell. "Not only is he quick, he is also a fantastic footballer. He is good in the air and he lifted the crowd.

"Rooney was amazing as well. We had a three-on-one situation when he got back to clear. The lad does not know the meaning of the phrase 'lost cause'."

Having faced United and second-placed Chelsea in the space of four days, Jewell admits this season's title race will go right to the wire.

"It will be a dead heat," he predicted when asked which side he thought would ultimately prevail as champions.

"Today Manchester United were better than us in all departments. They are a brilliant team, who play magnificent football.

"We plugged away in the last 20 minutes but United had taken their foot off the gas."