With just one place left in the relegation zone, Wigan, Sheffield and West Ham have their destinies in their own hands. West Ham know if they fail to pick up a point at Old Trafford, and the Latics win, it will be the Hammers joining Charlton and Watford in the Championship.
And any hope that Curbishleys friendship with Sir Alex would influence the Old Trafford bosses team selection, he now knows he will face a star studded line up.
"We have to respect the position of the other teams at the bottom," said Ferguson.
"Paul Jewell has done a fantastic job at Wigan, as has Neil Warnock at Sheffield United. I cannot be putting a team on the pitch that disrespects those teams.
"We also have our own reputation to think about, so although I am a great friend of Alan Curbishley, he understands the position I am in and knows I will be playing my strongest team on Sunday."
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