Wigan defender Pascal Chimbonda scored an own goal to hand Manchester United a last-gasp and undeserved victory on Monday.

Wigan, soundly beaten by United in the Carling Cup final eight days ago, dominated the first half and led after an hour through Paul Scharner's tap-in.

United equalized when shock substitute Ruud van Nistelrooy's mis-hit shot accidentally set up Cristiano Ronaldo.

And at the death, Louis Saha's deflected shot hit the bar and Chimbonda diverted into his own net.

The three points allowed a jubilant United to move back above Liverpool into second in the Premiership table, but it was an agonizing end for Wigan, whose two previous meetings with United this season had ended in 4-0 defeats.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell found himself distraught at the quirky loss. "It was a poxy goal to lose to," he said.

"We don't want people to feel sorry for us. I'm sick for the players and fans - you could see by how United celebrated that they felt they got out of jail.

"We played well but lady luck was just against us. I can't ask for any more effort and we pushed them all the way," he added.

His Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson conceded his side was lucky to win.

"I don't think we've had a harder away game all season -- Wigan were brilliant, absolutely terrific," he said.

"They didn't deserve to lose -- it was so unlucky for Pascal Chimbonda, he couldn't do much about it in the end.

"We were poor in the first half but we improved and then gambled. I'd have settled for 1-1 as they were so good," he added.

Editor: Donald