It looks on paper a straightforward three points but Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players against complacency creeping into the team at Wigan.

Having left with the Premier League trophy on board the team coach after their last visit to the JJB Stadium on the final day of last season, United will move to within one point of a record equalling 18th title should they defeat Steve Bruce's team.

Wigan have lost all seven previous League clashes against United and are without a win in their last five outings. In contrast, Ferguson's Champions League finalists have won their last six games.

But with former Old Trafford skipper Bruce in the home dug-out, Ferguson knows that United face a stern test of their credentials against a side which, until recently, was challenging for a place in next season's Europa League.

“Bruce has built a powerful team,” said Ferguson. “Though they got a bad start to the season, they came with a great rattle and got themselves into a good position.

“Since January, it was a loss for them to have to sell Wilson Palacios but they've had a very successful season and Brucey has done a great job.”

It is 13 years since Bruce left Old Trafford. Yet his affection for the club and Ferguson remains strong. Neither has Ferguson forgotten the contribution Bruce made.

His defensive partnership with Gary Pallister was the bedrock on which three title-winning sides were built in 1993, 1994 and 1996.

The £825,000 United paid Norwich City to secure Bruce back in 1987 remains one of Ferguson's best deals.

Although the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have justified their massive transfer fees, Ferguson remains convinced that Bruce represented excellent value for money at that time.