Mancini aims to steer City into their first FA Cup final since 1981 at the expense of their near neighbours at Wembley on Saturday evening. As everyone from the blue half of the city is sick of being reminded, it is the 10th semi-final of the Ferguson era and the next stage of a remarkable bid to emulate the 1999 Treble-winning heroes. But Mancini knows his opposite number was given time to put his Old Trafford plans into place. The demands are so much more instant now, meaning he must deliver rather more quickly. "It took Ferguson seven years to win the league," he observed. "Today is very different from 25 years ago. Today if you are a manager who wins nothing for six or seven years, it is difficult. "After 15 months, I am very happy in my job because I know how difficult it is to build a team to win trophies." Mancini has already had to cope with the hammer blow of losing his captain and talisman Carlos Tevez to a hamstring injury. The Blues boss must decide whether to replace Tevez with Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko or both as he bids to find a winning formula after coming out on top in just one of his five derby experiences so far. At least Micah Richards is available to bring some solidity to a defence that was opened up so easily by Liverpool on Monday night. Although even in defeat City could take solace from the fact they are well placed to clinch a spot in next season's Champions League, Mancini knows victory could open up a whole new horizon for a club whose fans have often revelled in world-weariness at their travails. "It doesn't depend on the money you spend," he said. "Every top club should spend money. "But it is important to win a title. For this I think if we go into the final, we can change everything. "I have respect for Manchester United because they have won everything for many years. But, to begin with, they won a single trophy after a long time with nothing. "Now we are in the same position. "We can go on to do what United have done. We have a chance and for this we should be happy."
