Mancini to adopt cagey approach

With the chance to "change the history of the club" at stake, City boss Roberto Mancini has no intention of throwing caution to the wind.

Even though United are without Wayne Rooney, Mancini will not offer United an easy route to goal.

"Every City fan will be happy if we win," said Mancini. "If we do that 1–0, it is not important. If we win on penalties it is not important. But if we attack and leave United to have 10 chances, it is stupid.

"All my players should understand very well this is a big moment for us," said Mancini. "We can change the history of the club."

When your team has won nothing in 35 years, any trophy is acceptable, no matter how it is collected.

And with tomorrow's winners certain to head to the final as strong favourites, Mancini wants to ensure his players know what is at stake.

"The first trophy is the hardest, but it is time for Manchester City to win something," he admitted.

They will have to get over the next hurdle without their talisman, though, as skipper Carlos Tevez has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

But City have received some good news with the return of full–back Micah Richards to training.

"Micah is not fully-fit," said Mancini. "But he is an important player for us and has trained well this week – he can play a good game."




THE winners of tomorrow’s semi-final will play Bolton or Stoke - who play on Sunday - in next month’s final.