Sir Alex Ferguson backs Aston Villa to survive

Despite picking up 10 points from their last five games, Villa remain in bother at the bottom of the Premier League.

However, with Wigan's defeat at Upton Park yesterday, Lambert's men have a little cushion above the drop zone.

Yet even if they lose their survival fight, Ferguson is adamant there will be a positive spin-off from Lambert's first season in charge.

Ferguson said: "Young people give you a future by creating a strong blend that can last for a few years.

"Young players will always remember the manager who gave them their first start. The team will improve because of that, I am sure of it.

"Paul had the courage to do it and even if they were to go down, Villa have a structure that should bring them right back up.

"But, on the evidence of what we have seen recently, they have every chance of staying up anyway."

Certainly Villa seem transformed from the team that conceded 15 goals in three games over the Christmas period and lost a two-legged Capital One Cup semi-final to League Two Bradford.

And, while United will surely clinch a record 20th title after Manchester City's faltering form, Ferguson is not anticipating an easy night.

He said: "We expect a scrap, there's no question about that. The least you expect is for a team to fight for everything when they are down there.

"Villa showed against Stoke they have a bit of life about them and they should have won their game against Fulham last week.

"When I saw the structure of those teams, they looked really positive selections. A lot of teams in that situation may pick a team to get something out of the game.

"Paul Lambert picked a team to win. There is a distinction."