Man United stars link up with Wigan Warriors players - as Super League holders plot a return to Old Trafford

Wigan Warriors have been picking the brains of Manchester United stars as they plot a return to Old Trafford. Matt Peet’s men begin their Super League title defence on Thursday with a ‘battle of the borough’ against local rivals Leigh Leopards. And ahead of their season opener, the Warriors spent time with United trio Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Andre Onana at their training ground. The footballers took part in a crossbar challenge, passing drills and a finishing clinic, with a willing Mount also invited to have a wrestling match with giant Kiwi prop Paddy Mago, only to be told it was a joke just before they grappled.

‘I’m an Everton fan so I wasn’t jumping through hoops to see them all!’ admitted Wigan half-back Harry Smith. ‘But I managed to speak to them about how they go about their daily business. ‘The differences with us were interesting and something you can try and learn from.’. Wigan Warrions will welcome local rivals Leigh Leopards for their Super League opening game on Thursday night. Their title defence comes after Matt Peet’s menhad previously spent time with Manchester United stars Harry Maguire, Andre Onana and Mason Mount.

The Red Devils' starts took part got a taste of rugby league, taking part in a training session of a crossbar challenge, passing drills and a finishing clinic. Warriors head coach Matt Peet is a United fan and also got Sir Alex Ferguson to give a pep talk to his team on the eve of last season’s Grand Final at Old Trafford. ‘We thought it was great opportunity and we maximised it,’ said Peet about the visit from the Red Devils players. ‘The three lads that came down were very open-minded.

‘They seemed like they were admirers of the sport. I hope they come down to a game.’. While United claimed one piece of silverware last season, Wigan completed a clean sweep of all four major trophies. The Warriors can only win the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final this campaign, with no World Club Challenge on offer this year. But Peet added: ‘We can't win more trophies, but I do think we can be a better team. We want to play a better brand of rugby and we want to improve as people.’.

Legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer will be at Wigan’s curtain raiser tonight, overseeing Las Vegas-style weddings at a pop-up ‘Las Wigan Chapel’ at the DW Stadium. It is a nod to the Warriors’ historic Super League match against Warrington in Vegas next month. ‘I will definitely show my face and have a look at it,’ added Peet. ‘I am all for embracing everything this game throws up.’.