Carling Cup preview: Manchester United v Manchester City

Part two of our Carling Cup semi-final against United and now for the hard bit, as we look to exploit our 2-1 advantage to reach Wembley. It promises to be a classic.

Carling Cup verdict: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 1

Carlos Tevez stole the headlines with two goals as City came from behind to beat a full-strength United in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final. Nothing can be taken for granted in the second leg as United showed their danger with a late onslaught, but at least City fans could go home happy with a win on the night.

Carling Cup player ratings: Manchester City v Manchester United

Given – The match was in danger of descending into a duel between Shay and Rooney. Thankfully Shay was still winning when the referee blew for time. 8

Richards – An improvement on his display in the last derby, but still needs to get tighter on wingers as wily as Giggs. 7

Carling Cup preview: Manchester City v Manchester United

It’s nearly 29 years since Paul Power scored the only goal against the then high flying Ipswich Town in City’s last major cup semi-final (we’re discouting the Full Members Cup here). That gap of time alone makes this Carling Cup semi-final a huge and historic fixture. The fact that it’s against United makes it bigger still.