West Ham boss Alan Curbishley reckons Sir Alex Ferguson wants to on claim at least two more Premier League titles before he retires.The 66-year-old Scot - who was originally due to retire in 2002 - has guided his side to the top of the table with just a couple of games left and also into the Champions League final, also against title rivals Chelsea.

Curbishley takes his men to Old Trafford on Saturday looking to emulate their famous victory on the final day of last season which kept the Hammers up against all odds.

However, the stakes for United this time around are much higher as a win would all but secure a 17th league championship for the club - just one behind Liverpool's long-standing record.

Hammers boss Curbishley is in no doubt of the legacy Ferguson is determined to leave when he eventually does vacate the Old Trafford hotseat after more than 20 seasons at the helm.

"I think Sir Alex is looking at going one better than Liverpool's trophy record," said the West Ham manager.

"Since United won the Champions League the last time, that has also been something which is driving him on.

"The players he has brought into Old Trafford are young and that is what has fuelled his enthusiasm."

Curbishley, 50, has a good relationship with the United manager, which stretches back to his time at Charlton when Ferguson visited the south-east London club for an FA Youth Cup tie.

At the time they had just returned to The Valley and were changing in Portakabins. The pair are also both involved in the Nordoff-Robbins music therapy charity.

"Sir Alex is the sort of manager who is tremendously busy and occupied, but has always got time to return calls," said the West Ham boss.

"With the League Manager's Association, he sees his role as helping the next generation of managers improve their lot. He not doing it for himself, he is trying to help the managers in the lower leagues who perhaps have contracts that are not worth the paper they're written on try and get the better benefits for the managers, where the lifespan is becoming increasingly short.

"So with all the commitments he has elsewhere, the other managers really appreciate that."

But the Hammers boss will not be ready to hand out any favours to Ferguson this weekend - having beaten the Red Devils in their last three meetings.

He said: "Alex is well aware that teams raise their game against Manchester United; the atmosphere changes somewhat.

"Last year when we went there we had to get something there to survive and they had already finished their season, were waiting for the cup final - this time they are looking to get something."

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez was the Hammers hero at Old Trafford last May, but has since joined United.

Curbishley said: "During the run-in, Carlos played a big part.

"He has now gone to a club, where the big thing is 'can you handle Old Trafford?' .

"That's what Sir Alex looks at.

"Carlos has got that in his locker with his experience and everything else.

"When we played them at Upton Park, Carlos was very generous coming in and speaking to the players.

"I am sure we will get the same reaction this weekend - and nobody at West Ham is ever going to forget Carlos Tevez."

Curbishley has seen his injury woes increased with the loss of midfielder Freddie Ljungberg because of a cracked rib following a collision in the Newcastle game last week.

"There is a big disappointment with that because once we have seen it again, we think [Steven] Taylor could have done a bit more to avoid it," said the Hammers boss.

"He has landed on him and that caused the damage."

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