Source: PA
Ferguson hoping experience counts
Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Manchester United's vast experience of handling FA Cup semi-final nerves can prove crucial in the derby clash with City at Wembley.
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.
In contrast, United will be playing in their 10th semi of the Ferguson era, eight of which have been won, the only defeat coming to Everton on penalties two years ago.
Ferguson said: "It can drain the players. There is an impact in terms of the emotional build-up to the game.
"The fact it is at Wembley makes it more of an occasion, simply because of the name.
"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. It is a derby game in London, which is unusual but we are ready for it."
