Ferguson beams as Wembley cup clash nears

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is full of confidence in the countdown to Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with cross-town rivals City at Wembley.

“We’ve got a strong squad now, I think that our bench the other night reflects that,” Ferguson said.

“We’re going into this game in good confidence. It’s a very, very exciting game.

“Derby game in London, that’s unusual.”

“But I think the players have great momentum at the moment, confidence is high and they’re playing as I said a few weeks ago, they’re fighting for every corner, which is a great attitude to have at this time of the season.”

“So I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

City are looking to restrict the Reds’ wide men in a bid to stop United’s scoring streak at Wembley.

The Blues are set to draft in Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta to the full-back positions to shore up a defence which suffered a 3-0 defeat at Anfield on Monday.

Manager Roberto Mancini hopes that the two committed defenders can cut one of United’s main supply routes by dealing with wingers Nani and Antonio Valencia.

The good news of Richards’ unexpected recovery was tempered by confirmation Carlos Tevez is out – and will be lucky to play again this season after suffering a minor hamstring tear.