Fergie fears for cash-rich Curbs

"I am reminded of Joe Royle, who worked wonders with very little at Oldham and then moved to Everton where his worries really started."

Royle spent two-and-a-half years in charge at Goodison Park and left in 1997 after disagreements with his chairman about his transfer policy.

Curbishley's position is different because he has been in charge at Charlton for 13 years and remembers when their existence was uncertain.

He has also shown he can cope with big-name players by keeping a harmonious relationship with Paolo Di Canio this season and works well with chairman Richard Murray.

Curbishley has guided Charlton into a position where a win tonight would take them into fourth place and a significant step closer to qualification for the Champions League.

Ferguson hopes that after years spent building the club their new money will allow them to keep progressing.

He said: "Although Alan has had to run his club on a virtual shoestring, you sense there is still plenty of vision around the place.

"All credit to him because Charlton look good and are challenging for a place in Europe. I am full of admiration for the fantastic job he has done. At times I find myself being surprised but I don't know why.

"Alan has been at the club for 13 years and after that length of time we should know exactly what he is about." Curbishley and Ferguson are both involved with the League Managers' Association and have become friends over the years.

The Charlton manager has taken advice from his Old Trafford counterpart and respects his views.

Curbishley said: "He is one of the old-school managers who realises what has to be done to progress.

"He has been through managing something like a Charlton and doing it against the odds so he understands."

Charlton will add Graham Stuart to their squad for tonight's game after he recovered from a back injury and Shaun Bartlett should overcome a minor back problem.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will return for United after a knee injury and should partner Louis Saha in attack, but Paul Scholes starts a three-game ban after a clash with Middlesbrough's Doriva in February was punished by the Football Association on video evidence yesterday.