After Thriller Manchester United Now Ready For Arsenal Trip

Wayne Rooney clinched a late winner in an enthralling two-legged last four tie with our city neighbours, taking United a step closer to defending the Carling Cup against Aston Villa in the final. But with key league and European fixtures to come before then, the Reds’ celebrations will have to be contained.

“We’ll assess [the final] when we get to it,” says Sir Alex. “We’ve got some important games in the league and the Champions League to look forward to now. Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates is a big game for us, we need to win that game.”

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Aston Villa in the league while the Reds were beating City, missing the chance to go above United. Chelsea took their opportunity, however, beating Birmingham 3-0 to move into pole position.

But the players will have no problems getting fired up for Sunday’s visit to the Emirates, and United go into the game high on confidence after Wednesday’s cup win.

“It’s easy enough to get us ready for Sunday,” Michael Carrick added. “It’s a huge game again, one we love playing in. It’s tight at the top now and we’re well aware we need to go and get a good result.”

“It was good that Wayne popped up with the winner – extra-time wouldn’t have been the ideal preparation,” added Darren Fletcher. “That was a bit of a relief. But it’s a big game and our attention now swings back to the Premier League.

“That’s what it’s about being at Manchester United; you have a semi-final in midweek and then you have to win an important league game at the weekend. We’re looking forward to a game against a team in good form. But we’ll recover from [beating City] and get ready for it.”

—-manutd