Darren Fletcher is confident that the pressure on Liverpool's players to win their first championship in 19 years will eventually see them crack.

In that period, Manchester United have won 10 Premier League titles and the Scot believes the club's fans will show more patience than Liverpool's in the run-in to the end of the season.

United can close the gap on leaders Liverpool to two points by winning the first of their matches in hand against Wigan tonight and the midfielder said: "We have the experience of having been there and done it. Liverpool maybe don't and that might bring a bit more pressure.

"But the best thing is the fans have been in this position before.

"They know what it takes to win the Premier League. There are times when you have to be patient. The fans understand this."

Three points tonight, followed by another three at Bolton on Saturday will take United top but with Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra ruled out because of injury, United's defence is once again stretched to the limit.

Since Wigan have won on six of their last seven outings in the League, Fletcher knows nothing can be taken for granted.

He added: "You have to respect your opposition, no matter who they are."