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Fergie still feels derby fire

Sir Alex Ferguson can't wait to take his place in the dugout © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson still feels the passion of the Manchester derby as much as ever and insists there's no place he'd rather be than the United dugout on Wednesday night.

At an age when most men would be happily taking their seats in front of the fireplace for the clash at Eastlands, 68-year-old Ferguson will be right in the line of fire.

Despite the fact he must forge a side together from a group of players ravaged by illness and injury, Ferguson can't wait to lock horns with City in a fixture that went United's way on both occasions last season due to goals at the death by Michael Owen and Paul Scholes.

"Derby games are fantastic,'' Ferguson said. "What would you rather be doing, managing a game between City and United or Carlisle against Crewe? They are the ends of the spectrum. Derby games can divide husband and wife. You are involved in a game of emotions.''

Although usually high-octane affairs, it is only in the past couple of years that the battles between Manchester's feuding pair have really captured the imagination.

Huge amounts of money poured in by City owner Sheikh Mansour has made an obvious difference, along with the Blues' award-winning marketing campaign, led by that infamous 'Welcome to Manchester' poster marking the arrival of Carlos Tevez from Old Trafford. Even 16 months after the event, Ferguson is still irked by its impact, which marked the arrival of his new 'noisy neighbours'.

"I don't know how it was created, probably some advertising gimmick at City. But I don't think they can be proud of it,'' he said. "I said it was stupid at the time. They probably think that now. I don't see how they thought it would get more points off us when it came to playing on a football pitch. Maybe it was worthwhile for some of the supporters but I think a lot of them were embarrassed. They would rather see that trophy being paraded through the city before they start screaming from the rooftops.''

Amid the heightened intensity of Wednesday night's showdown, Ferguson insists he will not lose sight of the real barrier to United's hopes of glory this term. It is stationed at Stamford Bridge.

"If you don't recognise who won the league last season then you are very foolish,'' he said. "We have to chase Chelsea. That is our challenge. It is not easy winning our league and they are a very formidable and experienced side.''

City winger David Silva has warned United of the confidence blossoming in the Sky Blues' camp after their win at West Brom on the weekend. City should also draw confidence from the fact they defeat fellow title rivals Chelsea at Eastlands in September. A win over their local foes would see City move on to the same points tally as United.

Silva said: "This is a game we believe we can win. This is a hugely important match for us. We know a victory would put us on the same points as they are. We are at home and will have our supporters behind us so the advantage is with us. We need to use the atmosphere and take the game to them.''

Silva added on City's website: "I watched the Manchester derby as a boy and have always enjoyed it since. But I never imagined I'd be actually playing in it. I always thought I would play my football in Spain so this is very exciting for me and I am very happy to be part of it.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.