A winning ingredient

The FA Cup Semi-Final Arsenal v Manchester United 03 April 2004 Villa Park, 12.00pm

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"It’s fantastic to be in the Semi-Finals," says the four-time winning manager. "We’ve certainly done our penance in The FA Cup over the last few years, not having reached the last four since 1999.

"Now we’re back we like to be. We’re the most successful team in the history of The FA Cup and our record in this competition is evidence that we have a tradition of doing well at this stage."

Silverware has flowed into Old Trafford on a stream of consistent success since 1990 and, only two victories away from adding to that list of honours, this Semi-Final tie is Sir Alex’s top priority.

"This is an important game for United because it’s a Semi-Final and, when we get to this stage of any competition, we feel we have to win it," he says of a Cup run which has now come full circle, having begun here at Villa Park in January.

"Arsenal will come into the game as favourites and that’s understandable because they are having a great season. You can see that by how may points ahead they are in the League. But they will know all too well that they face a tough game this afternoon. They won’t make the mistake of underestimating us."

The last time these two sides met at this stage in the competition they produced one of the most dramatic nights of football The Cup has ever seen.

Sir Alex recalls it fondly: "That semi-final in 1999 was a truly amazing night, especially when you consider how we got to that stage.

"In the first game we felt we had a completely legitimate goal ruled out and, with the other fixtures we knew we had coming, a replay was the last thing that we wanted at the time.

"But I have to say, the way that it worked out, with Ryan coming off the bench to score that fabulous goal, the emotions of the night, and the lift that it gave everyone, I now look back on it as the best thing that ever happened. It really gave us the momentum to go on and achieve what we did that season."

With Arsenal themselves still pushing for glory on three fronts this season, a win for United today would ensure that they prevent their great rivals from repeating the hitheto unequalled Treble of 1999. But Sir Alex’s greatest incentive for victory lies far closer to home.

"We can’t use other clubs as a barometer of our success," he states. "We have too much of our own history to do that. Everyone is entitled to their own success but we won’t judge our achievements by those of others."

Now the two giants meet again and the Reds of Manchester are relishing another clash with their most familiar foes.

"Over the last decade most of the trophies have been shared between us and Arsenal," reasons Ferguson. "We have come out on top in the sense that we have won more trophies but, during that time, we have always been aware that Arsenal have been our nearest competitors.

"This season they have a big, powerful team but they know this won’t be an easy game for them. It won’t be easy for either side.

"Semi-Finals are games that can be decided in lots of ways. They can be nervous occasions and often luck can play an important part. Arsenal won’t underestimate us today. They know the quality of our side. It’s going to be a really good game."

For more new, views and information on this season's FA Cup Semi-Finals, read the two official match-day programmes. To buy your copy, click here...