Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Ferguson up for the cup
Arsene Wenger may have described it as a "non-trophy" but Sir Alex Ferguson insists the Carling Cup is a pot worth winning. Not even the knowledge Sunday's encounter with Aston Villa at Wembley will lack the raw emotion and drama of those two memorable semi-final confrontations with Manchester City last month can shake Ferguson's determination to add another trophy to his incredible Manchester United CV. So, while Wenger disputes the notion a Carling Cup win would represent the end of his Arsenal trophy drought, it is a stance Ferguson does not share. "Wembley is an occasion. It has always been that way," said Ferguson. "But the only way you can enjoy Wembley is by winning. We have got an opportunity to win something on Sunday. It is not a nice day when you lose." Ferguson did once view the League Cup as a nuisance in United's pursuit of the major prizes. Although the Red Devils did reach three finals in four years in the early 1990s, between 1994 and 2003 there was nothing. Yet this weekend, United will compete in their fourth in eight years and their third in five, confirmation of the success enjoyed by the Football League's decision to exempt teams involved in European combat to the last 32, third-round stage. "All of a sudden you find yourself in a semi-final after playing three games. Once you get to a semi-final the focus changes. It definitely makes a difference." Indeed, those two semi-final encounters will be carved into the history books. Ferguson view An amazing 180 minutes, full of passion and controversy, were ultimately settled by an injury-time Wayne Rooney header, a deserved United triumph against a City team desperate to make a statement of their own future intent. "I don't think the final can reach the same level of emotion as the semi," acknowledged Ferguson. "It is a different type of game." There are no 'noisy neighbours' for a start, just a team carefully pieced together by Martin O'Neill that was good enough to take four points off United this term, including that long-awaited Old Trafford victory. A grudge, if there is one, comes from the 1994 final meeting between the sides when a Villa team managed by Ron Atkinson recorded a 3-1 win that ultimately cost Ferguson a domestic treble. "I hope we are involved in a Treble this time too," said Ferguson. What do you think? Have your say.
