MANCHESTER United aim to make it virtually impossible for Wanderers to score at The Reebok on Saturday week, let alone win the game.

The Reds have built a tight defence in the Premiership in recent weeks and plan to make that the foundation for another triumphant visit to Bolton.

Alex Ferguson's men have suffered against Wanderers at Old Trafford both this season and last but it is a different story in the reverse fixtures with United holding the upper hand.

Last season's 4-0 demolition was one-sided enough but even that was only half as devastating as the 6-0 lesson handed out in the only Premiership match between the two sides to be staged at Burnden Park.

The only other home Premiership contest against United was a more even affair with the two teams fighting out a goalless draw.

The common factor in those three matches was Wanderers' inability to hit the target and recent form suggests Sam Allardyce's men are going to find it equally difficult next week.

Last Saturday's 4-2 victory over West Brom ended a barren spell in which Wanderers had scored just two goals in six Premiership matches while United's defence has hit an awesome vein of form.

Centre half Rio Ferdinand is typical of defenders who relish keeping clean sheets. But he points out that it comes a poor second to winning matches.

"Results count for everything but not conceding any goals in games is definitely a bonus," he said.

"While it's pleasing producing clean sheets and having the best defensive record at this moment in time, we would rather keep winning games and if that continues, then we're in with a good chance.

"If we're going to do anything, we have to remain resolute at the back and not concede any goals at any time especially late in the game."

Wanderers will also have to beat the historic omens if they are to get a vital and elusive home victory over their traditional derby rivals.

They have beaten United at home just once in their last seven attempts spanning 41 years.

But if you are betting on a winning scoreline past statistics, if not current form, suggest 3-0 could be one to go for.

That was the score the last time Wanderers beat United in the Frank Worthington-inspired Burnden blitz of 1978 and also the previous time they savoured a win over United back in September 5, 1962 when a Brian Pilkington penalty and goals by Freddie Hill and Wyn Davies sent the Reds on the short trip home with their tails between their legs.