Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed any suggestion his players need to
be warned about their behaviour ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup
semi-final.
Following the gesture exchange between Gary Neville and
Carlos Tevez at Eastlands last week, there are fears Manchester
United's decisive derby clash with City could explode given a place
at Wembley is at stake for the winners.
Nine thousand City fans add even more to the mix and both the
Football Association and Greater Manchester Police have already
stepped in with their own pleas for calm.
But Ferguson has no fears for his own side. Having been
through so many big nights in the past, the Scot feels there is no
need to be worried.
"I don't pay any attention to all that," he said. "The
player behaviour has always been perfect. We have great players who
play to the right rules of the game.
"We have never had any issues in big games. Look at the
record. I am not worried about it."
City chief executive Garry Cook has added his own
contribution, claiming it is "when and not if" the Blues get
through.
Ferguson is not interested in getting involved in a war of
words though. His time at United has brought him into conflict with
Leeds, Liverpool and Chelsea in major semi-finals and finals.
And he sees no reason why his side's discipline should let
them down now. "We have enough experience of playing in big games
to know it is important to keep your head," said Ferguson.
"It is always a key factor.
"We have had feisty games against the likes of Leeds and
Liverpool since I have been here.
"Player behaviour has always been good. It has never been an
issue."
