Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he does not relish the 'horrible' prospect of sending old pals Harry Redknapp and Jim Smith tumbling into the Football League.
A repeat of Manchester United's handsome FA Cup win at St Mary's on Sunday will condemn Saints to life outside the top flight for the first time since 1978.
Professional pride will ensure Ferguson demands a victory from his team as they look to head into the FA Cup final showdown with Arsenal on a high note.
But the Scot knows the cost of such a scenario would be two bitterly disappointed close friends, an unhappy by-product of the competitive world Ferguson inhabits.
"Football is built on competition and survival but it is horrible when you find yourself playing a part in deciding the futures of great people you count as your friends," he said.
"However much you tell yourself you are not responsible for clubs sinking into the danger area in the first place, it does not help when you come to head to head with the guys in trouble.
"It is a time of year I just do not enjoy but we will be professional and do our job the right way, as always, striving to win."
Given Southampton's need for points and the lengthy shadow of doubt cast over Old Trafford by Malcolm Glazer 's takeover move, United's position is in danger of being totally overlooked.
Now 20 points adrift of Chelsea, the Red Devils need to make a statement of intent for next season.
After revealing that he has virtually determined nine of his Millennium Stadium starting line-up, Ferguson is expected to stick with most of the side which started against the Blues on Tuesday.
One notable change could see the return of Ryan Giggs in place of Darren Fletcher, even though the young Scot is the man Ferguson has identified as a major factor in trying to get the most from Roy Keane's ageing legs.
John O'Shea or Quinton Fortune could also earn a recall at left-back, leaving Mikael Silvestre's position in doubt.
Either way, it will certainly not be the kind of second string line-up some were suggesting Ferguson might play in an attempt to do Redknapp a favour.
Close friends or not, the United boss is aware that the sporting interests of the occasion demand total commitment.
"We will play a strong side for a lot of reasons, not least what is happening roundabout Southampton," he said.
PA