Boss admires Bruce's craft

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has been impressed by Steve Bruce's impact since taking the reins at Wednesday's opponents Wigan Athletic.

Former United captain Bruce, who played 309 games in nine years with the Reds, has transformed the Lancashire outfit from relegation fodder into European hopefuls.

Sir Alex said: “He’s built a very powerful, athletic team and although they had a bad start to the season, they came back with great rattle and got themselves into a UEFA position. They may have tailed off a bit from that now but Brucie’s still done a great job."

The United legend succeeded Chris Hutchings as Wigan boss in November 2007, having twice guided Birmingham City into the top flight during a six-year tenure. The Latics were then languishing in the relegation zone but some astute signings by Bruce in the January transfer window helped them secure survival in the Barclays Premier League with one game remaining - the game the Reds won at Wigan to clinch the 2007/08 title.

Bruce strengthened his side further last summer, notably with the purchase of prolific Egyptian striker Amir Zaki, and in his first full season as manager he has guided the club to a comfortable mid-table position.

Several of Wigan’s star performers, including Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios (now of Spurs) have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in the past, but Sir Alex feels that the days of the Latics being a selling club could soon be over.

The United boss added: “I think their players will recognise the steps forward they’ve taken, there’s been progress and that’s important.”