Wigan Athletic '˜made for me' - McManaman

The 27-year-old rejoined Latics last month after three-and-a-half years away from the DW.

West Brom weren’t able to tap in to the player’s potential after shelling out £4.75million in January 2015, while his move to Sunderland midway through last term was similarly uneventful.

McManaman also spent an unfruitful time loan spell at this weekend’s opponents Sheffield Wednesday, but he believes ‘coming home’ to Wigan can help to kickstart his career.

“I look at the way Wigan play under Paul Cook and I think it could really suit me a lot,” he told the Wigan Post.

“The three forwards behind the frontman is made for my game and I’m looking forward to getting in there.

“In the last few years, I’ve been doing ‘doggies’ all through the game – getting back to help out the defence.

“Don’t get me wrong, I can do that, and I’m happy to do whatever I have to do for the team. But it then has an impact at the top end of the pitch, when I’m trying to attack the defence.

“If I can get the ball at the high end of the pitch, without having to get all the way back to cover, I’m going to be more dangerous.

“In the last few years I’ve been playing right-back, left-back, right wing-back, left wing-back, backwards and forwards...and it hasn’t been my game.

“My energy was being used in the wrong areas, and I feel that’s played a part in why I haven’t kicked on as much as I wanted to.

“Different players work better in different formations, and I definitely feel this formation is set up for the way I play.”

McManaman needed little persuasion in putting pen to paper once Latics showed an interest, and he says he’s already settled in nicely.

“I’ve never been in this position of getting the deal done early,” he added.

“Whenever I’ve moved clubs it’s always been deadline day, or last-minute, and you’re having to force your way in, playing catch-up.

“This time feels great, I’ve played a few games and I’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the season starts.”

Meanwhile, it’s understood Latics are in pole position to land Everton defender Antonee Robinson on loan.

The 20-year-old, a full USA international, spent last term on loan with Bolton, who had wanted to keep him before Latics showed their hand.

Sources on Merseyside claim Everton’s capture of Lucas Digne from Barcelona has led to Robinson being given the green light to gain more first-team experience.