Sir Alex Ferguson: My players won't lose their heads

Graham Chase11 April 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has no concerns about his Manchester United players' conduct ahead of tomorrow night's Carling Cup semi-final clash with rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

The first leg at Eastlands, which City won 2-1, was marred by a spat between ex-United striker Carlos Tevez, who scored twice, and Gary Neville.

There were also problems off the pitch and extra police have been drafted in for the second game at Old Trafford.

Greater Manchester Police and the Football Association have contacted both clubs in an attempt to calm the situation.

But Ferguson maintains he is not worried about the way his players will behave as they look to join Aston Villa in the Final.

He said: "We've got enough experience of playing big games to know that. It's always a key factor.

"With feisty games, in terms of the competitive level of Liverpool and Leeds games since I've been here, the players' behaviour has always been good.

"We don't have any issues with that. The players' behaviour has always been perfect.

"We've got great players who play to the right rules of the game and we've never had any issues in big games. Look at the record."

Ferguson also expects Wayne Rooney to take his tally beyond the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career this campaign.

The England striker has scored 20 goals already, just three short of his record for a season.

Ferguson said: "I think he's become more aware of the penalty box. Playing him in that direct role has given him the appetite to be in the box all the time.

"He's got 20 and I think the crucial part of the season is coming up and he could easily get to above 30."

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