Source: Daily_Mail
Ferguson insists money doesn't matter when Man United tackle rivals City
Take two: Ferguson (left) and City boss Mancini[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson claims money will have no bearing on the Old Trafford Carling Cup showdown with Roberto Mancini's Manchester City. [LNB]While the derby cannot accurately be described as the princes against the paupers, it certainly feels that way given the number of negative financial stories that have seeped out of United lately. [LNB]A deal to sign Fulham's highly rated Chris Smalling may turn out to be an astute piece of business by Ferguson. [LNB]But it is definitely low key compared to City's £120million spending spree last summer and the Blues fans are sure to have some fun at their neighbours' expense when 9,000 of them make the short journey across town for the semi-final decider tonight. [LNB] Not that Ferguson believes it will make a scrap of difference to the highly-charged atmosphere. [LNB]'This has nothing to do with anything other than it is a local derby and it is a semi final,' said Ferguson. [LNB]'It doesn't matter if they had no money or little money. It is a route to the final and it is going to be a different game. I am certain the atmosphere will be fantastic.' [LNB]With 9,000 City fans making the short journey across town eager to acclaim their resurgent club's first Wembley cup final since 1981, a raucous atmosphere is guaranteed. [LNB] Two good: Carlos Tevez scored twice against his former club last week to give City a 2-1 advantage to take to Old Trafford for the second leg[LNB]Pleas have already gone out from Greater Manchester Police and the Football Association for calm. [LNB]But Ferguson knows no such assurances were needed when Barcelona came two years ago for a European Cup semi-final that was won with a solitary Paul Scholes goal. [LNB]'As we have experienced at Old Trafford so many times over the years, in big game situations, when they are in full voice, it is an incredible experience,' he said. [LNB]'Some of the European nights I have experienced here have been the most thrilling of my life. [LNB]'You can't beat them. You all go away at the end of the night totally satisfied that you are at the right place at the right time in your lives.'[LNB] Manchester on red alert as police make dawn arrests ahead of derby clash at Old Trafford MARTIN SAMUEL: Manchester City are all that is wrong with English football...but watching them have a go is so compellingFerdinand set to miss Manchester derby after FA violent conduct chargeSir Alex Ferguson insists this will be even better than Europe! Manchester United boss squares up to City menaceWill United's Wayne Rooney or City's Carlos Tevez pave way to Wembley?MANCHESTER UNITED FC
