Alex Ferguson has Manchester United prepared

15 April 2011 13:28
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have the necessary momentum going into Saturday's FA Cup semi-final clash with their great rivals.[LNB]Since losing to Liverpool last month, United have won sevens games on the bounce in all competitions and remain on course for the treble.[LNB]And the Scot reckons his side's impressive form could be enough to earn him a ninth FA Cup final appearance.[LNB] Long time coming: United's last FA Cup triumph was against Millwall in 2004[LNB]'We have got the momentum at the moment,' said Ferguson. 'We are winning games, which is important at this time of the season.[LNB]'The consistency of the team has been good and we are playing well.[LNB]'Our players have a great determination. I am really pleased with that. It has given us a good chance.'[LNB]United will also have the benefit of Ferguson's vast experience at this stage of the competition.[LNB]He has led the Old Trafford club to nine semi-finals and has lost only one when he fielded an under-strength side against Everton in 2009.[LNB]In contrast, the Blues have reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 1981, when they edged out Ipswich before falling to Ricky Villa's memorable slalom goal for Tottenham in the final replay.[LNB] Blot on the copybook: United's penalty shoot-out defeat to Everton was Ferguson's only FA Cup semi-final defeat[LNB]Whilst Ferguson accepts playing such matches at Wembley rather than a club venue such as his personal favourite, Villa Park, has changed the nature of them, he still believesthere is a uniqueness the respective sides have to combat before they can perform at their best.[LNB]'It can drain the players,' he said. 'There is an impact in terms of the emotional build-up to the game.[LNB]'The fact it is at Wembley makes it more of an occasion, simply because of the name.[LNB]'Obviously it is a different stadium now. Those Twin Towers were a landmark and I wouldn't think the pitch is as tiring as the old Wembley because they have changed it so many times.[LNB]'It is a derby game in London, which is unusual but we are ready for it.'[LNB]It is a long 21 years since Ferguson won his first trophy at United, the 1990 FA Cup and he knows how important it was for him, and how desperate City are to claim their first since 1976.[LNB]'I can remember that first trophy,' he said. 'It was a big moment for us. Winning thefirst trophy at any level is always important. I experienced it at Aberdeen and St Mirren and also with United.[LNB]'I don't know if City are obsessed with it. I can't judge that at all.[LNB]'But it is obvious with the money that has been invested, they have big plans.'[LNB] In form: With Wayne Rooney suspended, Javier Hernandez (right) will likely lead the United attack[LNB]United are also well prepared in the sense that nearly all their major players are fit again.[LNB]Fergusonestimates combative midfielder Darren Fletcher is still a fortnight away from making a full recovery from the debilitating virus that has ruled him out since the beginning of March and caused him to lose so much weight.[LNB]But, apart from the Scotland skipper, and Owen Hargreaves, whose absence has been taken for granted for so long and who has played his final game for United unless tentative talks about his future result in a new contract, that would almost certainly be on a pay-per-play basis, the Red Devils are at full strength.[LNB]With Wayne Rooney is suspended tomorrow, Javier Hernandez will be hoping to continue his fine run of form while twenty-two goal Dimitar Berbatov is virtually certain to return, with Antonio Valencia set to join him.[LNB]Elsewhere, it is slightly more problematic, with Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Park Ji-sung, who expended so much energy in Tuesday's win over Chelsea, all vulnerable, no matter how desperately they want to be involved.[LNB]  Hargreaves heading for Manchester United exit as Ferguson confirms midfielder won't play again this seasonCity are hardly our biggest rivals, snipes Scholes ahead of FA Cup clashManchester United tried to sign striker Raul from Real Madrid 'this season'All the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Park Ji-sung, Rio Ferdinand, Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves Places: Liverpool, London, Aberdeen, Scotland, Old Trafford Club

Source: Daily_Mail