The former City, Arsenal and France midfielder has been working as football development executive at the Etihad Stadium since retiring as a player two years ago.

The move to take charge of what is effectively the City reserve team follows the departures of manager Roberto Mancini and a number of his backroom staff this week.

Attilio Lombardo, the former Italy, Sampdoria and Crystal Palace player, had been the coach primarily responsible for the EDS.

Vieira's move from an administrative position underlines his desire to move into coaching after completing his UEFA B licence last year.

The 36-year-old, who will officially take up the role on June 1, said: "After spending two years working across a number of areas of the club and with a particular focus on the youth academy, I feel honoured and privileged to have been offered this role.

"This marks a new chapter both in my career and in my life and I am looking forward to it immensely.

"My passion for the development of young talent has only grown in my time at City and I am pleased to be able to play my part in helping to shape the footballing future for Manchester City."

Vieira, who is now hoping to attain his A licence, won the World Cup as a player in 1998 and the European championship two years later among 107 international appearances.

He won nine domestic league titles including three with Arsenal, with whom he also won the FA Cup four times.

A fifth FA Cup came at the end of his career with City in 2011.

City chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "Patrick is a world champion and it is a great honour that he has chosen Manchester City to begin his football management career.

"I have seen him carefully considering options and choosing to coach for the best reasons; he has a love of the game and a willingness to continue to learn and transmit his knowledge and experience to young footballers.

"Patrick's role is of the highest long term importance for the Club.

"The ability of the Academy, the elite development squad and the first team to work together using the same football concepts is key to our success and sustainability."

Soriano's statement suggests, as had been rumoured, that the club is intending to implement the same style of play from junior sides up to the first team.

In the statement which announced Mancini's sacking on Monday, the club had also referred to a desire to "develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club".

Vieira's appointment also indicates that the first-team manager will have less influence over the coaching of other parts of the club in future.

Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain, both former Barcelona executives, arrived at City earlier this season and the changes they intend to make are starting to become apparent.

Mancini's exit on Monday was followed by that of first-team coach David Platt, his former Sampdoria team-mate.

Defensive specialist Angelo Gregucci, Ivan Carminati, Fausto Salsano, Massimo Battara have also left along with Lombardo.

Manuel Pellegrini, who has indicated a desire to leave Malaga at the end of the season, is the firm favourite to succeed Mancini.

City is also reported to be interested in Malaga midfielder Isco, with whom Pellegrini shares an agent.

Mancini was sacked after three-and-a-half years as manager earlier this week and his first-team coach David Platt left the following day.

Among those also to have departed are defensive specialist Angelo Gregucci and reserve team boss Attilio Lombardo, the former Sampdoria and Crystal Palace player.

A City statement read: "Manchester City can confirm that Ivan Carminati, Fausto Salsano, Massimo Battara, Angelo Gregucci and Attilio Lombardo have left their respective roles at the football club.

"We thank them for their contribution to Manchester City since their arrival and wish them well with their future careers."

Balotelli, who was signed by Mancini for City before being sold to AC Milan in January, insisted his fellow Italian is a "great manager".

Mancini was sacked by City on Monday after his team failed to meet targets laid down by the owners and is expected to be succeeded by Manuel Pellegrini, currently at Malaga.

Asked about Mancini being sacked, Balotelli told CNN: "I am not really surprised but when I was with him he was a great manager and we had one of the best teams I have played with, the best players.

"I don't know why they didn't win. But obviously there were some problems inside. I am here [Milan] so I don't know."

City said on Monday that Mancini had been sacked after failing to meet all "stated targets" apart from qualifying for next season's Champions League.

The club added: "This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013-14 season and beyond."

Reports in Spain have said Malaga has opened the way for Pellegrini, whose representatives have already held talks with City, to move on at the end of the season.

The Malaga Hoy newspaper said the Qatari-owned Spanish club has waived the release fee in the Chilean's contract which would allow him to leave when it expires on July 1, and that he has already agreed a two-year deal with City.

However the club is unlikely to announce any appointment before next week's short end-of-season tour to the USA where Brian Kidd will remain in charge of the team.

A Malaga spokesman told the BBC no announcement would be made until the club's domestic season was concluded.

He said: "There remain some fixtures to qualify for the Europa League, so in this moment, officially, we are not saying anything.

"The club has not communicated anything about this. I am not saying [the article] is true or false, I am just saying that the club officially has not said anything.

"I think that other clubs, Manchester City or whatever other club, have finished their season but Malaga has not finished their season."

The Chilean has been heavily linked with the Premier League club since the weekend, when rumours of Mancini's imminent demise began to surface.

After three days of intense speculation, City finally confirmed Mancini had been sacked after three-and-a-half years in charge at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

There has been no further comment from the club with regards to its search for a successor.

But having placed assistant manager Brian Kidd in interim charge for the final games of the season against Reading, which City won 2-0, and Norwich City and next week's United States tour, there may be no immediate rush.

Pellegrini has denied suggestions he has a deal in place with City but will leave Malaga after the Spanish season ends.

The 59-year-old has also been linked with other clubs but is odds on to take charge next at Eastlands with other candidates such as Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers considered outsiders.

Former City manager Brian Horton would expect some of the game's biggest names to be in contention with the club having now established itself at the top end of the Premier League.

Horton, who was in charge at Maine Road from 1993-1995, told Press Association Sport: "With Brian Kidd taking the reins it maybe gives them a bit more time to see who there is or if Pellegrini comes.

"I'm sure they'll get lots of big names linked with it if it is left for a couple of weeks.

"They are one of the big clubs in the world now.

"In my book Mourinho would be fantastic, if City could get him, but I don't know - Pellegrini is the name being linked.

"I don't know much about him but he seems to have done well at Villarreal and Malaga and you can't be that bad if you've managed Real Madrid."

Mancini took charge in December 2009 and, backed by the club's billionaire owners, helped transform its fortunes.

He oversaw FA Cup success in 2011 - the club's first trophy in 35 years - and then topped that with last season's dramatic Premier League title win.

His failures to build on those achievements, with an underwhelming title defence and a poor showing in Europe, counted against him, however.

He was also unable to secure the consolation of a second FA Cup, surprisingly losing to Wigan Athletic in the final, but by then rumours of his impending departure had already started circulating.

When his exit was eventually confirmed, the club highlighted a failure to achieve 'stated targets' and a desire to develop a 'holistic approach to all aspects of football'.

Horton feels it was a tough decision but can see both points of view.

He said: "There are no surprises in football anymore.

"They will move on, they will get a new manager, and Roberto will move on and get a top job somewhere else.

"He had three-and-a-half years, which is a long time in football management now.

"He has done a good job, he won their first trophy in many years, winning the cup and league, finishing second.

"He can walk away with his head held high after what he has done.

"But you can understand the owners' point of view. There are always two sides to the story.

"They have obviously looked at other issues and decided to make the break now.

"They have big ambitions now. There is no place for finishing second at the end of the day."

While Kidd will be at the helm for the next fortnight, it remains to be seen whether the other members of Mancini's backroom team will retain roles at the club.

Mancini's first-team coach and number two David Platt has also departed, while like Platt reserve-team manager Attilio Lombardo and coach Angelo Gregucci all had close links to the departed boss, either in his playing or managerial career.

Having won the Premier League in such amazing circumstances last year, City has returned to earth with a bump this term.

The shock FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic proved to be the final straw for the City hierarchy, which called time on Mancini's three-and-a-half-year reign at the Etihad Stadium.

The Italian's sacking meant former assistant Kidd took charge of the clash with Reading - a match City won 2-0 courtesy of strikes by Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko.

It may have looked routine, but Kidd was quick to credit his players after it collected the three points that guaranteed second spot.

"What has gone on in the last 24 hours was a shock to the staff, and before the game I would have just taken the result, to get the three points and take second place," he said.

"It's all credit to the players - they are the ones who have had to put up with stuff off the pitch.

"I am pleased for them because it would have been a travesty if we hadn't finished second.

"I was asked to take charge for two games, and, being a Manchester lad, I couldn't say no. I wouldn't have been able to walk down Market Street if I had.

"You'd have to ask the players how they feel. We appreciate the fans, and they were disappointed, and we were disappointed, on Saturday.

"What you've seen is a combination of a couple of things, but I think it was a relief because it has been a tough 48 hours."

As well as the perfect response to losing Mancini, it was a welcome return to winning ways after the disappointment of losing at Wembley.

"To be honest, the three points was the most important thing," Kidd said.

"When you get to this stage of the season it's not about performances, but getting results and it was on my mind that we needed to seal that second spot in the league.

"That's the least we could do, and the staff, the fans and the players did it for the club.

"I was pleased with the way the players acknowledged the fans, but those players really appreciated it.

"There were 1,300 of them at Reading, disappointed after Wembley, but they turned out and you could hear them.

"The players and the backroom staff have been terrific."

As fate would have it, the first match of the post-Mancini era pitted City against a manager that knows a thing or two about losing your job despite recent success.

Having led Southampton from League One to a safe position in the top flight, Nigel Adkins was replaced out of the blue by Mauricio Pochettino in January.

Now Reading boss, replacing the equally hard-done-by Brian McDermott, he knows what Mancini is going through.

"You don't know what goes on at football clubs and it is more prevalent that managers don't get that long now because of the demands and nature of it," Adkins said.

"You can't be fearful and have to believe in the philosophies that you have got.

"I don't know the ins and outs and just concentrate on Reading. You look from afar and don't know what is going on behind the scenes.

"I'm sure there are other managers out there who have won things and still lost their jobs.

"We have to understand that it is football and there are going to be demands. There is high finance involved now. Owners have every right to do what they believe is right for their football club.

"He (Kidd) is a great football man and a great man for Man City and if there are going to be changes there are good people that can pick the reins up."

Mancini paid the price for a poor season which saw the club beaten by Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final at Wembley after surrending the Premier League title to arch-rival Manchester United.

Platt was offered the chance to stay on at the club which he joined in 2010 but decided to join Mancini in leaving.

The club released a statement which read: "With regret Manchester City announce that David Platt has this afternoon left his role as Assistant Manager at the Club.

"David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend Roberto Mancini.

"David has made a significant contribution to the Club's success since joining in 2010 and we wish him well with his career wherever that now takes him."

Platt was part of Mancini's backroom staff at the club, winning the FA Cup and then last season pipping United to the Premier League title on the final day.

The FA Cup final defeat to unfancied Wigan Athletic proved the final straw for big-spending City, which sacked the Italian a year to the day after he led it to the Premier League title.

The post-Mancini era began in haste at the Madejski Stadium, where his former assistant Brian Kidd took caretaker charge for the penultimate match of a frustrating campaign.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini is overwhelming favourite to take over from Mancini, although he would not have learned much from watching this fare.

With Reading already relegated and City's UEFA Champions League place assured, the match had a distinct end-of-season feel about it.

Royals goalkeeper Alex McCarthy was one of few outstanding players, making a string of fine saves either side of Sergio Aguero's strike at the end of the first half.

Reading came close to levelling on a number of occasions in a tense second period, only for substitute Edin Dzeko to wrap up a win that secures second place in the closing stages.

However, the match felt like a sideshow to events behind the scenes, with confirmation that first-team coach David Platt would follow Mancini out of the Etihad Stadium coming just before kick-off.

City's travelling support were keen to thank the Italian, with banners held aloft ahead of kick-off and chants in his honour filling the Berkshire air.

On the pitch, City began brightly and James Milner, one of four changes to the side beaten at Wembley, fired over inside two minutes.

Reading started sluggishly and poor defending allowed Aguero a shot at goal moments later, although McCarthy thwarted the Argentinian.

Recently valued by team-mate Jem Karacan at £20 million ($30.76 million), the Reading goalkeeper did well to block a close-range Milner strike soon after, with Sean Morrison blocking Aguero's follow-up.

It looked as if the ball caught the defender's arm but play continued until Kolo Toure pulled up with what appeared to be a knee injury.

Maicon's introduction resulted in a defensive reshuffle, with only a fine Joe Hart save preventing Hal Robson-Kanu capitalising with a long-range strike in the 19th minute.

Robson-Kanu blazed over his next attempt, before Hart parried a fierce Garath McCleary drive.

Reading was on top and when City did threaten McCarthy was in the way, with a close-range Carlos Tevez header met by a point-blank save.

When it was not McCarthy in its way, it was those in front of him frustrating the reigning champion as Yaya Toure and Aguero both saw goalbound efforts blocked.

City was not to be denied for long, though, as an exquisite short corner routine involving Gareth Barry, David Silva and Milner saw the ball played across for Aguero to slot home with power and precision.

He would have netted an immediate second if it was not for McCarthy's quick reactions stopping the forward's fierce drive.

It was a save matched by counterpart Hart five minutes into the second half as he stopped a point-blank Pavel Pogrebnyak header.

Adrian Mariappa blocked a Tevez strike when play returned to the other end, with McCarthy then turning a fizzing Yaya Toure effort around the post before Tevez blazed over.

However, keen not to go down with a whimper, Reading upped the ante for the final 20 minutes and was unfortunate not to net.

Mariappa saw a header well saved by Hart, with McCleary seeing a fizzing drive deflected behind by Joleon Lescott.

Tevez cleared a Mariappa header off the line from the resulting corner, before Karacan attempted a 22-yard drive that Hart could only save at full stretch.

Yaya Toure and substitute Dzeko both tested McCarthy in that period, with the latter finally extending City's lead with two minutes remaining.

After Reading sloppily gave away possession, Silva slipped through Dzeko, who coolly slotted home a second of the night.

It would have been three had McCarthy not stopped Tevez in stoppage time, with the final whistle met by roars of 'Mancini'.

Mancini has been sacked as manager, with the club declaring the reason had been taken after City 'failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year'.

City failed to build on last season's Premier League title success and ended the season trophyless after its FA Cup final defeat against Wigan Athletic at Wembley.

Mills, who played for City between 2004 and 2009, told BBC Radio Five: "He will go down in Manchester City folklore for winning their first trophy in 35 years (the 2011 FA Cup).

"But only meeting one of the five targets, he's obviously failed on what he was asked to do.

"City's standing and expectations are completely different to those of a Reading or a Southampton."

Former City striker David White believes the club's fans will be disappointed with the Italian's departure, and feels early success for the new man is a must.

"I think overall they (the fans) were definitely behind the manager," he told Sky Sports News. "They have had success with him not seen over the past couple of years.

"The new manager comes in and if he starts well then you know things are quickly forgotten - it depends how the new manager starts next season."

And White feels Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, whose future at the Bernabeu is uncertain, would be a popular choice.

"Given the choice between Mourinho and (Malaga coach Manuel) Pellegrini, they (the fans) would love to see Mourinho at the club," White said. "But whether he fits in with what they want, he does tend to come and go at a football club. He would certainly be my choice and most City fans.

"It seems that they (the new manager) need to be successful in Europe and that is the aim of the club. They are looking at silverware every season.

"A lot of the players were incredible last year. They fell a little bit short this year. This makes a massive difference.

"We've got the top three teams that are going to finish all without a manager and if you want someone, you want to get get them early.

"It is difficult to keep that away from the press and then the manager."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has been sacked, the Premier League club has announced.

The 48-year-old's future had been the subject of intense scrutiny over the past few days.

Mancini learned he had been relieved of his duties after failing to achieve any of the club's 'stated targets' for the season.

The news comes exactly a year to the day after City won the Premier League in dramatic circumstances on the final day of last season.

But it is Mancini's failure to build on that achievement that has seen his three-and-a-half year tenure brought to an end.

A club statement read: "It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City manager.

"This has been a difficult decision for the owner, chairman and board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end-of-season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the football club.

"Despite everyone's best efforts, the club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

"This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013-14 season and beyond."

City's statement added that assistant manager Brian Kidd would be placed in interim charge for the remaining two matches of the season and the forthcoming tour of the United States.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini is the favourite to take over full time, having been linked heavily with the post since last Friday night.

Despite a disappointing season, Mancini will leave with a fine record having won the FA Cup in 2011 and last season's first title win in 44 years.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Roberto's record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years.

"He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans.

"He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the club's 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012.

"I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

City began the season with high expectations but its title defence has been an underwhelming one and it failed to progress beyond the Champions League group stage for a second successive year.

It can still secure second place by claiming a point from its final two games against Reading and Norwich City but its dismal defeat to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final further dented its ambitions.

Rumours Mancini could be dismissed have recurred throughout the season but have gathered momentum since Friday evening.

Mancini hit out at club officials for failing to quell the speculation after the cup final but no denials were forthcoming.

He continued with business and took training at Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road ground as the team stayed down south ahead of Tuesday evening's (Wednesday morning AEST) trip to Reading but the conjecture intensified and ended with this perhaps inevitable outcome.

It has been reported that the Chilean has been lined up to succeed City manager Roberto Mancini, whose position at the Etihad Stadium has come under the spotlight after a hugely disappointing season.

According to reports, Mancini, whose team lost the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic at the weekend, could even be sacked before the Blues take on Reading on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning AEST).

However, Pellegrini insists he has no deal in place with any club for next season and is currently focused only on trying to help Malaga secure a Europa League place.

"I deny here and now being the new coach of Manchester City, I haven't signed any agreement with anybody," Pellegrini told reporters after Malaga's goalless Primera Division draw with Sevilla in quotes reported on his club's official website.

"I've been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs have shown an interest in me.

"I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other club.

"I hope in the coming weeks that things will become a little clearer what is going to be the future here at this club."

Malaga has struggled with form since its heartbreaking Champions League quarter-final defeat by Borussia Dortmund, winning two of six Primera Division matches while losing three.

Despite that, Malaga is still sixth in the league standings and will be hoping to stay there over the final two games of the season.

Even if they do finish in sixth though it may not be playing in continental competition next season with a one-year ban from European football hanging over them. UEFA handed out the punishment in December due to the Spanish club's outstanding debts, but the club is hoping for a reprieve.

The former Real Madrid and Villarreal coach added of speculation about his future: "There are a lot of rumours.

"The coaching team and players are focused on qualifying the team for Europe. Overcoming the trauma of being knocked out of the Champions League wasn't easy, but we're still hoping to qualify for the Europa League."

Mancini has been oblivious to the growing sense of disenchantment around him over the past few weeks.

Even as the rumours intensified, he continued to think he was safe.

However, amid reports the Italian is going to be axed before City takes on Reading in the Premier League on Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning AEST), Mancini could not help recalling how he ended up leaving Inter Milan in 2008.

"When I worked for Inter Milan, the newspapers were the same as they are here and I thought always 'it's not true, it's not true'," he said.

"We had won Serie A for the third time in a row and then played in the Italian Cup final.

"But after that game I read the Corriere della Sera, a newspaper which is very close with Inter, and a journalist wrote that probably Inter will sack me.

"At that moment I understood that maybe it was true."

Those words were delivered on Saturday night, when Mancini insisted he felt confident he would remain in his job despite the 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic.

Yet the support he also demanded did not follow.

And neither did it come on Sunday when, if the reports were not correct, they could have been killed stone dead.

"City is a very serious club, chairman Khaldoon is a fantastic man," he said.

"But this problem has come out because we didn't stop the things you (the media) have written for six months.

"I don't know why people at the club don't stop this rubbish.

"For football I talk and I take responsibility. For other things you need to talk to other people."

As the person Mancini was referring to was stood barely five yards away, in a small room in the bowels of Wembley Stadium, it was evident the Italian was no longer concerned at who he was upsetting.

The suggestion is that stance has seeped into his dealings with other areas of the club too, including his players and members of his back room team.

There has certainly been irritation that Mancini, whilst banging on repeatedly about City's failure to do the business he wanted during the northern summer, signed a succession of players who have proved inadequate for the demands of the Premier League.

"We chose these players but we didn't take one of them on pre-season," he said.

"You need to move [for players] in February, March, April, May, not August, because you need to have these players in pre-season.

"Pre-season is important because you need time for them to gel with other players."

If Mancini does hang around for the remainder of the week, which ends with a home clash with Norwich City, he will surely not go to the United States for those two post-season friendlies with Chelsea.

Malaga coach Pellegrini is the man lined up to replace Mancini, even though City's supporters were less than complimentary about the Chilean at Wembley, when they repeatedly sang their backing for the popular present manager.

It seems to mean little. And as Manchester United says farewell to its manager of 26 years, City prepares to herald in its fifth boss in little over six years.

"I don't think there will be another manager who will win 6-1 at Old Trafford against Alex Ferguson because he has retired," said Mancini.

"I think I was the first manager who after 30 years pulled off the banner from Old Trafford about us not winning a trophy.

"We won one Premier League, we won one FA Cup, we won a Community Shield. We lost this FA Cup unfortunately.

"But for this reason we are very popular with the support.

"I love them, they love me and I'm happy for this.

"If in the end I will leave I will be the first supporter of Manchester City in the future. Now I can say nothing on all this."

And saying nothing is exactly what City is doing as well.

Which really is the most damning silence of all.

Zabaleta himself created unwanted history on a dismal day for City at Wembley as he became only the third man to be sent off in a cup final as the Blues lost 1-0.

The Argentina defender, arguably City's best player this season, was dismissed for a second bookable offence after hacking down Callum McManaman moments before the unheralded Ben Watson headed a last-minute winner.

City had hoped for a consolation victory after disappointment in the Barclays Premier League title race but, after a build-up overshadowed by speculation over manager Roberto Mancini's future, it suffered one of the great cup upsets.

Zabaleta said: "It was one of those days I think. We tried to do our best but the team looked without passion, desire and it was difficult to find an answer why everything went wrong.

"The only thing we can say now is congratulations to Wigan, they played better than us and they deserved this."

Zabaleta denied the rumours that surfaced on the eve of the game suggesting City were lining up Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini to replace Mancini had anything to do with the subdued performance.

The 28-year-old said: "It doesn't affect the players. We are now in a bad situation because when you look at the team you expect City to win a trophy.

"It was the only opportunity for us to lift a trophy and now we will see what happens in the future."

City had its moments in the first half when Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez both forced Joel Robles into good saves.

But Wigan, belying their relegation difficulties, always looked the more penetrative and inventive side and in McManaman and Shaun Maloney had two of the most dangerous players on the pitch.

McManaman, particularly, was a handful throughout and twice went through on goal in the first half without finding a finish.

As the game wore on, City's superstars might have found a way through but Wigan's confidence did not evaporate and it sensed its moment after Zabaleta's 84th-minute dismissal.

City captain Vincent Kompany said: "We have given ourselves all the chances to win the competition but it wasn't good enough.

"We need to say congratulations to Wigan first of all. They played really well.

"We were warned when we played them at the Etihad that they were very good and it was really close between us again.

"We get a red card and then conceded at a set-piece, so you can't say they had a lot of chances but you can't say they didn't deserve it as well.

"On a better day we probably would have won it but it is a final, there is no guarantee.

"It is a goal from a corner - it is not something where you can say we looked weak.

"Nevertheless all credit to them, maybe we should have buried a goal earlier and we didn't do that.

"It is a cup final. Anyone that calls it a failure I think is a mistake, it is always an even game."

Kompany promised supporters the team would bounce back and return to Wembley to make amends for their disappointment.

City has come a long way since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008, winning the FA Cup two years ago and the title in 2012, and they are sure to regroup.

Kompany said: "I think Man City fans just need to bear with us.

"We will come here again and win a lot of trophies in the future.

"We have proven it and it is just a matter of time."

While City will end the season without silverware, it still has one piece of business to finish in securing second place.

It can achieve that with victory at relegated Reading when it returns to action on Wednesday (AEST).

Zabaleta said: "The manager will decide who is the best team to play in that game and we need to do our best."

The immediate build-up to City's clash with Wigan Athletic at Wembley was overshadowed by fresh speculation linking Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini with the Italian's position at the Etihad Stadium.

City failed to perform to its best in the final and was stunned when Ben Watson headed a last-minute winner for the unfancied Latics.

Barry said: "We are professionals. We can't use something like that as an excuse.

"We have it not just before this game, but all this season and last season as well.

"What happened today has nothing to do with the speculation."

Wigan's victory was fully deserved as it had been the more adventurous side throughout the contest.

Roberto Martinez's side showed no sign of nerves in a performance that belied its troubles at the bottom of the Premier League.

Barry said: "It was exactly the sort of game we expected really.

"We knew what sort of game Wigan play and on a pitch like this they can play their football, no matter what the situation is.

"They have got a fight at the bottom of the Premier League but they showed what a good team they are.

"We didn't play our normal passing game, but sometimes that can happen at the end of the season."

City had its moments but none of its star men were able to take control of the game.

"We had our chances as well," Barry said. "The keeper made a great save from Carlos (Tevez) in the first half and that was a turning point."

It has been a frustrating season for City after the dramatic high of winning the Premier League last year.

Its title defence was underwhelming, it crashed out of the UEFA Champions League early and now it has failed to claim a consolation prize.

Barry insisted the club's ambitions remained intact.

The 32-year-old said: "We have had one of those days.

"It will make no difference to where this club wants to go.

"We have to learn from the season we have had and push on next season, raise it to another level."

First City must lift itself for its final two Premier League games at Reading and at home to Norwich City.

Midfielder Jack Rodwell, who appeared as a second-half substitute, said: "We came to get a win but we knew it would be a tough game, especially on a big pitch.

"We have got to respond. We have got a game on Tuesday to secure second place. We have got to move on."

City has pointedly not rejected claims that have emerged from Spain that Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini will replace Mancini in the northern summer.

With a distant second-place finish in the Premier League to Manchester United and yet another group stage exit in the UEFA Champions League, it is hard for Mancini to claim progress has been made this season.

And that was before his side's FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic, which was a 8-1 underdog prior to kick-off, but was the better side and grabbed a last-minute victory thanks to Ben Watson's header.

It piles the pressure on Mancini, who admits he cannot be sure of what his future holds because the club has not intervened on his behalf.

"If we find out in a week the things you say are not true, you have written a lot of stupid things in the last six months and more in the last two weeks," he said.

"If it is true I am stupid because I didn't understand anything.

"You have been speaking about this for the last six months, and also the last two weeks. It is too much.

"The club didn't stop this. I don't think that was correct.

"I don't think it is true."

Mancini spoke at length with chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak before the game, although he insists his future was not mentioned.

"I have a four-year contract, not one," he said.

"There is no reason for me to ask. Do you think the chairman told me not to worry before the game?

"How many teams did better than us this year? Manchester United. Swansea, I don't think anyone else."

Mancini repeated his mantra that City's problems date back to the northern summer, when he is adamant it failed to move quickly enough in the transfer market, losing out on Robin van Persie in particular.

"Our target at the start of the season was to try and win the Premier League," he said.

"But our mistake started in the last market. We didn't do enough to improve our team.

"After winning the Premier League, the second year is more difficult.

"Then maybe you don't get the Champions League. You can have a bad season. We had problems because we lost some players. We lost Yaya (Toure) for a month. We had a lot of problems this season.

"Every manager takes the responsibility. That is normal. But I don't think last year, when Manchester United lost the Premier League and didn't play in the FA Cup final they had all the discussion we did."

Yet Mancini accepted his team dropped well below its own high standards at Wembley Stadium, whilst at the same time claiming it deserved to win.

Most neutrals would say not, although Mancini had no complaints with the second yellow card for a challenge on man of the match Callum McManaman that condemned Pablo Zabaleta to become only the third player in FA Cup final history to be sent off.

"It was a correct yellow card," he said.

"We were in a good moment, we were attacking, we lost the ball and they counter-attacked.

"In a final I thought we would be better but we had two incredible chances to score.

"We cannot do anything about it now but I am very sorry for my players and the club and for our supporters.

"There were 40,000 people here and we deserved to win this game."

from Shaun MaloIt came ney's corner to flatten 10-man City, which had Pablo Zabaleta sent off near the end.

It was a deserved triumph for the Latics, for whom Callum McManaman was outstanding, and completed a personal dream for chairman Dave Whelan, who broke his leg in the 1960 final.

The season, though, could still end on a low for Wigan, which is facing relegation from the Premier League.

For City, it means a trophyless campaign, and raises further questions over the future of Roberto Mancini, who it is rumoured will be replaced by Manuel Pellegrini.

The pre-match touchline conversation between Mancini and chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak would have been interesting considering the rumours flying around about the potential recruitment of Pellegrini from Malaga.

After all, City was aiming to land meaningful silverware for a third successive season for only the second time in its history.

It is true to say City's targets have changed markedly thanks to the money invested by Sheikh Mansour, but, as Roman Abramovich has discovered, and Tony Fernandes has done so painfully this season, money guarantees nothing.

The Blues supporters certainly made their feelings known, chanting Mancini's name at regular intervals and coming out with something pretty unkind about Pellegrini, who has confirmed he will leave Malaga at season's end.

It was not that long though before they were starting to becoming critical of their own team.

For Wigan boss Martinez came up with an ingenious way of trying to overcome the massive odds stacked against his team.

In leaving Arouna Kone and McManaman upfield even as City pressed, he forced the Blues to temper their attacking instincts, denying them the width that adds to the obvious danger their flair players pose.

When the half-time whistle blew City could claim most of the best chances but in Joel Robles, preferred in goal to Ali Al Habsi, Wigan had a keeper in form.

The Spaniard turned away an early effort from Yaya Toure and denied Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri later in the half.

In the middle was the best of the lot as Wigan's notoriously flaky defence partnered to let Nasri through, which allowed David Silva to set up Carlos Tevez. The Argentina star looked certain to score as his effort headed to one corner as Robles plunged towards the other.

Somehow though, the on-loan Atletico Madrid man kept it out with his legs, one of those moments that ends up being etched in final history if Robles were to end up on the winning side.

And Wigan had chances to get their noses in front during that opening period too. McManaman was a constant threat, but first after running onto Kone's pass and then electing to check inside and curl home with his left foot rather than shooting first-time with his right, then embarking on a Ricky Villa-like slalom and driving a shot against Zabaleta, he wasted the best of them.

Not that he could be blamed 18 minutes after half-time when he embarked on a bewitching run into the City box and was only denied by Vincent Kompany's brave block.

City had improved overall, with James Milner introduced to provide an extra boost to the midfield effort.

Emmerson Boyce got a vital touch to Aguero's near-post flick and substitute Jack Rodwell had a long-range effort charged down as Mancini excuted a tactical rejig to counter Martinez's attacking intentions.

It was Wigan that hit the woodwork though, albeit unintentionally as Maloney's intended far post free-kick bounced off the bar with Joe Hart stranded.

And it had an extra man six minutes from the end when Zabaleta chopped down McManaman to collect a second yellow card and follow Kevin Moran and Jose Antonio Reyes into the FA Cup final hall of shame.

It was the signal for another Wigan assault, and by now no-one could deny it deserved something from the game.

Two free-kicks came and went before another McManaman burst forced Gael Clichy to concede a corner - although replays indicated a penalty would not have been the wrong decision.

Maloney swung it to the near post and Watson rose to power it into the corner and carve Wigan's name into history.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan thinks FA Cup-winning manager Roberto Martinez will still be at the club next season.

Martinez has been heavily linked with the managerial vacancy at Everton, with David Moyes leaving Goodison Park for Manchester United at the end of this campaign to succeed the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Roberto will make his own mind up. Roberto consistently says 'I love Wigan, I will stay with Wigan'," Whelan said.

"When the time comes he will leave for a big club, I have no doubt about that. But I think he might just stay with Wigan."

The club now faces a fight for Premier League survival, with games against Arsenal and Aston Villa to come over the next week.

While Whelan celebrated until the early hours, Martinez and the players had to keep their champagne on ice.

"We outplayed Manchester City across the whole of the game yesterday. Our boys totally deserved it," Whelan said.

"We had three of our mainline players injured and up to eight players off this season. That is why we have struggled. We would have been in the top half of the league without a problem.

"You saw the quality of Wigan, you saw the quality of Roberto Martinez and what he puts into the team.

"We have two massive games. Last night they went home and knew they had to go straight to bed. We have a big game on Tuesday and a massive game on Sunday.

"The boys are dedicated to the massive task of keeping Wigan in the Premier League. The big fight is to stay up."

After its dramatic Premier League victory last term, City and Mancini began this term with high expectations but it has failed to build on that achievement.

Manchester United reclaimed the domestic title at a canter and City slumped out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stage.

That has left it chasing the consolation prizes of second place and the FA Cup, for which it plays Wigan Athletic in the final at Wembley this weekend.

Mancini said: "When you start the season you want to win the best trophies or the most trophies but sometimes it is not possible.

"I think we did a good season but not like last season.

"I think the FA Cup is the second trophy in England after the Premier League. It is an important trophy for everyone.

"To play a final at Wembley is fantastic.

"For us it is the second final in two years. We have the chance to get another cup and we want to do a good job. We know it will be difficult."

Given the disappointments of the title race, which ceased to be a meaningful contest in February, the excitement of the build-up to the FA Cup final has not matched that of two years ago.

In 2011 there was a sense of a new adventure beginning as City chased a first trophy in 35 years, something it achieved with victory over Stoke City.

But Mancini is no less determined and is taking nothing for granted against a Wigan side which remains in serious relegation trouble at the bottom of the Premier League.

Indeed, Mancini has been impressed by Roberto Martinez's side despite its continuing struggles and is taking no notice of City's status as odds-on favourite.

The Italian, speaking at his pre-match press conference, said: "I don't think in the final there is one team favourite.

"Against Stoke we were favourites but we had problems because Stoke played very well.

"I think this year will be the same. Wigan are a good team.

"The final is the final, it is not important what can happen in the Premier League tomorrow.

"But after that I think they have a chance (to stay up) because they have another two games to stay in the Premier League. They have a good chance.

"Martinez, in this moment, is a very strong manager and he knows the situation."

Mancini claims he 'probably' knows his team but will not make any final decisions until the day of the game.

He has close to a full squad available with Scott Sinclair, who has undergone surgery to remove a blood clot in his shoulder, the only absentee.

Yaya Toure has declared his fitness after recent concerns over fatigue and David Silva could make his first start since suffering a hamstring injury at Manchester United a month ago.

"We decide tomorrow, all the players are fit," said Mancini, who rested several players in the midweek defeat of West Bromwich Albion.

Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon is expected to play ahead of Joe Hart having started in all the previous rounds.

City is hoping to secure silverware for a third successive season with victory over Wigan Athletic at Wembley this weekend.

The importance of the occasion to the club was evident as manager Roberto Mancini made eight changes and rested several players for the Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion in midweek.

Milner was one of only three players retained from the side which drew at Swansea City last weekend to face the Baggies as the likes of Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta, David Silva and Sergio Aguero had the night off.

Milner said: "We are confident. We have had a couple of games in quick succession over the past week and it was obviously pleasing to get a win earlier in the week.

"It was an important win for us in the league, without playing our best, which is obviously pleasing. That gives everyone confidence.

"A lot of the boys are rested and ready to go into the game at the weekend."

City is odds-on favourite with Wigan's focus in the build-up to the game having largely been on its fight against relegation.

Wigan is in deep trouble at the bottom of the table and is three points from safety with just two games to save itself.

Milner is taking no notice of most of the pre-match predictions.

The 27-year-old said: "I think it is a one-off, a cup final. I don't think league position comes into it.

"We have seen that in the other cup competition this year with lower league teams. Teams struggling at the bottom of leagues always seem to find something different in the cup.

"It is a one-off game and we are ready for the challenge they will pose."

City beat Stoke City at Wembley in the final two years ago to secure its first major trophy in 35 years.

After following up by winning the Premier League last year, it wants to keep the trophy-winning momentum continuing.

Milner said: "It is obviously an exciting time. The FA Cup final is always massive.

"You grow up dreaming of playing in these sort of games.

"It will be a tough game for us but we know if we play our best football we can win another piece of silverware for Manchester City."

The England international was a member of the City side which beat Stoke City at Wembley in 2011 to end a 35-year wait for a trophy.

He went on to play an important role in City's Premier League title success last season and could be in the side again against Wigan Athletic at the national stadium this weekend.

It is this pursuit of silverware which tempted him to leave Aston Villa for the Etihad Stadium four years ago.

Although his future has been the subject of speculation this season as he enters the final year of his contract this northern summer, his decision to join City has been fully vindicated.

But at the time it was a tough one to make. City was just a year into its project under Sheikh Mansour and was lavishing vast sums on a number of players.

He could easily have found himself on the fringes whilst, at the same time, Liverpool was still interested having openly courted him throughout the northern summer of 2008.

Barry, 32, said: "It's fantastic. This is exactly why I made the tough decision to leave a club after so long to be playing in games like this more regularly. Hopefully we will have another trophy.

"I'm obviously really looking forward to it. It is the FA Cup final - every year it is a fantastic day.

"It was one that as a young kid growing up you look forward to watching so to be part of it, I'm really looking forward to it."

Barry's partnership with the influential Yaya Toure, the match-winner two years ago, in midfield will be a crucial component of City's push for success.

Toure has been City's driving force for the past three seasons and his tireless performance in the semi-final win over Chelsea again proved his ability to rise to the big occasion.

The Cote d'Ivoire international is fit after being withdrawn at half-time at Swansea City last weekend due to fatigue and then missing the midweek game against West Bromwich Albion.

Barry said: "Yaya is a worry for the club when he goes off so close to a big game but he has trained the last two days and had a little run-out so it will be a big plus if he is fit."

Mancini's arrival at the Etihad Stadium in December 2009 has coincided with a resurgence in the rivalry between City and Ferguson's Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

City memorably beat United in the 2011 FA Cup semi-finals and then pipped it to the Premier League title in dramatic circumstances last year, a season in which it also thrashed its neighbour 6-1 at Old Trafford.

United has reasserted itself by reclaiming its league crown in emphatic fashion this season, an achievement which has proved Ferguson's final act as United boss with the Scot now stepping down after more than 26 successful years.

Mancini said: "For me, it has been a great honour and pleasure to compete against Sir Alex for three years.

"It was a great honour to beat him in Old Trafford and I wish him good luck for his future. I don't know for which reasons (he has retired).

"Everyone can have his opinion but one manager who stays for 27 years in the same club and won every trophy for 27 years - it is an incredible situation.

"I don't think there will be another manager like him.

"It is difficult to say Sir Alex is the best (ever) but he is the best in the last 27 years."

Ferguson's retirement will leave a big hole for his replacement David Moyes, the current Everton boss, to fill but Mancini knows he cannot expect the balance of power to shift back in City's favour.

The Italian said: "I don't think this. At a top club, a big club like United, you can change the manager.

"Sir Alex built this team but it is a big club with a big history and I don't think it will change something."

Mancini, who added that he had sent Ferguson a message since he announced his decision, will now need to get the better of Moyes, a task he has struggled with when up against Everton.

Moyes' Everton sides has beaten City six times in its last eight meetings while the pair were also involved in a touchline scuffle three years ago.

Mancini, who is preparing his side for this weekend's FA Cup final against Wigan, said: "It is better we can talk about this if we can play the Community Shield against United next year."

When asked if Ferguson's decision had overshadowed the build-up to the Wembley encounter, Mancini said: "I don't know this.

"We talk about our final because for us this is more important.

"After we talk but we didn't know nothing about this decision."

The inspirational midfielder wrote his name into City folklore in the 2011 final when he scored the goal that secured the club's first trophy in 35 years.

That success was followed by last year's stunning Barclays Premier League title win and Toure wants this glorious new era to continue with another Wembley victory against Wigan this weekend.

Toure has been City's driving force since arriving from Barcelona, where he won the Champions League in 2009, three years ago.

His brilliance throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium led to speculation suggesting he might move on this summer but, having grown attached to the City project and their ambition to win trophies, he committed to a new deal.

The 29-year-old said: "It is very important. That's why I came to City, to make history, to be part of the history of the club and to help the club achieve things.

"It is not finished here yet. I want to do my best to achieve the most trophies that is possible.

"I hope we win the trophy this year because it is very important for us.

"I love to play big games because the big matches are so important and I am so determined.

"For me the most important thing is to be 100 per cent right, to be at the top level, because to win those trophies or even win one Premier League is so difficult.

"You need to work so hard in training to be as good as possible."

City's season has not reached the heights of the voyage of discovery that led to their drought-ending success in 2011 or last year's exhilarating title win.

Its title defence was underwhelming and it slumped out of the Champions League at the group stage.

But while the acceleration of its progress may have slowed, it can still end the campaign handsomely, and maintain the trophy-winning momentum, by securing second place and the FA Cup.

City is odds-on favourite against the relegation-threatened Latics at Wembley but Toure has warned there can be no complacency.

He said: "It is always difficult. You have to be prepared, you have to be focused and, the moment the game is coming, do your best because your opponent will always try to give you a difficult time.

"But with the quality we have and with the players we have, I think we can win."

Toure has declared himself fit for the final after leaving the action early at Swansea last weekend due to fatigue and being rested for the midweek defeat of West Brom.

Wigan's achievement in reaching the showpiece clash has been overshadowed by its battle against the drop from the Premier League.

But despite its problems, it continues to earn plaudits for its play and the Latics outplayed City for large spells of their 1-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium last month.

Toure said: "Wigan are a top side and they play very good football.

"I think it will be the same. Wigan are a great team, with a great manager and they have quality players.

"They play good football and we need to be focused and need to be concentrating."

City is odds-on favourite to claim the trophy at Wembley on Sunday morning (AEST), with Wigan's preparations having been overshadowed by its battle against relegation, injuries to defenders and speculation over the future of its coach Roberto Martinez.

Yet, despite the Latics being in deep trouble at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League, Kompany rates them highly.

Wigan outplayed City for large spells of their meeting at the Etihad Stadium last month - only to lose to a late Carlos Tevez goal - and Kompany thinks it has been one of the season's toughest opponents.

That is some compliment from the skipper of a side that has faced two Champions League semi-finalists in Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid this term.

Kompany said: "They are one of the more difficult sides we have played this season.

"You can see it's a team that doesn't fear keeping possession.

"When it's going well for them they are a very difficult team to play against. We have to be careful.

"When they played at Etihad, they were really good and caused us a lot of trouble.

"But we managed it really well in the end. We didn't concede and we won the game.

"I think they are a good team and if people think they will be easy then it is a mistake."

City rested several players for its midweek win over West Brom in preparation for the final.

Kompany, Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy were given the night off while Sergio Aguero and David Silva did not get off the bench.

There was some concern about Toure, with the influential midfielder also withdrawn at half-time of last week's game at Swansea through fatigue, but he has declared himself fit.

The 29-year-old, who scored the winner against Stoke in the 2011 final, said: "I am good. Sometimes it is difficult to play all the games at the same level and sometimes you can get an injury.

"But we have worked on that, trying to keep injury far away and try to concentrate on delivering at the weekend.

"I am already fit. I started training three days ago and I am well in now.

"I want to deliver a good game and help the team to achieve something important."

Martinez must decide whether to stick with his wobbly defence.

Antolin Alcaraz (hamstring) is rated no more than a 50-50 chance, while captain Gary Caldwell is most at risk following his mistake against Swansea on Tuesday and Roger Espinoza looked ill at ease in the left wing-back role.

Ali Al Habsi is expected to return at the expense of on-loan Joel Robles in goal, as he did for the semi-final win over Millwall.

Winger Scott Sinclair is out of contention after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot in his shoulder, but otherwise City has no major injury concerns.

Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon is expected to be selected ahead of England number one Joe Hart, having played in all the previous rounds.

Opponents and venues for the July 14 and 18 fixtures are yet to be confirmed.

However, one is set for Durban and the second game will be linked to the 95th birthday of revered statesman Nelson Mandela, it was announced at a press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

City, whose star-stacked squad includes Cote d'Ivoire midfielder and reigning African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure, won the Premier League last year and is set to finish runner-up behind Manchester United this season.

The Bosnia international was non-committal about his future as he met reporters at City's pre-FA Cup final media day.

Dzeko, who has scored 14 goals this season, has been the subject of speculation linking him with elsewhere as City considers a northern summer revamp of their squad.

When asked if he could leave at the end of the season, Dzeko said: "We will see. Everything is open."

Dzeko's present thoughts are on helping City beat Wigan in the final at Wembley on Saturday (Sunday AEST).

The 27-year-old was guilty of a glaring miss in last weekend's draw at Swansea but made amends with a well-controlled winning volley against West Brom on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).

Dzeko, an unused substitute when City beat Stoke in the 2011 final, accepts he again may not start but is keen to be part of the action.

He said: "Everyone is hoping, everyone wants to play.

"I don't know. I don't think about that but I think that's not important. It's important to win it.

"It means a lot to the club, to the fans, to us players, to everyone."

Dzeko earned a tag of 'super sub' earlier this season after a spell of scoring goals off the bench. Six of his first seven came as a substitute.

It was not a nickname the player particularly liked but he is focused only on team glory rather than personal success this week.

He said: "That's my job to score goals, if I come on after 60 minutes or if I start."

When asked if he dreamt of scoring the winner, he said: "I think it is important just to win it.

"I'm not sure about scoring the winner but I am dreaming of playing and winning the title."

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has already added his voice to the debate, insisting the Toffeemen are not a big enough club to attract someone of Martinez's calibre.

However, whilst he allowed himself a chuckle at Whelan's intervention, it is clearly not a debate Martinez is prepared to get into, either with the media or, more importantly, Everton - at least not now.

"It would be a waste of time for anyone at the moment," said Martinez.

"The chairman has a fantastic knowledge about the game and you can ask him anything. He will never turn away from an answer.

"But the most important thing for me is to be ready for Saturday.

"Whatever people say doesn't affect us. This is the peak of our season and we are not going to lose any focus or concentration.

"All that matters is Wigan Athletic. We need to fight to make our fans proud."

It is a shame for Wigan that the build-up to the biggest day in their entire history should be overshadowed by discussion of Martinez's future and the managerial manoeuvres triggered by Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

Yet it is part of the club's DNA to operate in the shadows given the enormous status of the clubs who surround them.

On one side, Merseyside, whose other mighty club had discussions with Martinez about filling its managerial vacancy last northern summer.

On the other, a club whose departing manager has made front and back page headlines in every corner of the globe over the past 24 hours, and another in Roberto Mancini, who will stand at the opposite end of Wembley.

"We all know Manchester City are the major favourites and rightly so," said Martinez.

"But there are many examples of major upsets in the past. It can happen but we will have to be perfect."

The game will be a hugely significant day for Whelan, who will lead out his team 53 years after his own FA Cup final appearance ended with a broken leg and a 4-0 defeat for Blackburn.

"The emotional side of the game is down to our chairman," said Martinez.

"His attachment to this competition is quite rare. He ended that final in 1960 with a feeling of unfinished business so we are all excited about the prospect of him being able to lead the team out and complete the circle in this competition."

Of Wigan's hopes of shocking City, he said: "You have to dream and the bigger the dream the bigger the achievement.

"Winning the FA Cup would be there forever. Just arriving in the final is a photographic moment in the history of our football club. Winning a major trophy would take our club to a different level.

"We are all well aware what this could mean. There are a billion people watching this game.

"It is one of those key moments that help develop awareness.

"When we signed Roger Espinoza he was already a Wigan fan, which makes you aware of our exposure around the world is bigger than many people think.

"But tomorrow is as good as it gets and we need to take advantage."

Martinez's own cup final memory is watching Ricky Villa slalom his way through the Manchester City defence to help win the trophy for Tottenham in 1981.

Little did he think at the time that 14 years later, he would be playing professionally in England, albeit at a level much lower than the one the Latics find themselves in now.

"When I came here in 1995 there were around 1,500 people watching us in what is now League Two," he said.

"Tomorrow we will be taking 21,000 to Wembley, which is incredible.

"It is a great example of how football can develop in a town and what you can achieve with it. It is difficult to describe."

Martinez also reports goodwill from the rugby element of the town, who have been to Wembley so often themselves, appearing to own it for a while as they won an incredible eight Challenge Cups on the trot from 1988.

In the past, there has been antagonism between the two sets of supporters, with the rugby fans irritated at their status as number one team in the area being challenged.

However, whilst Wigan will always be a name synonymous with the 13-man code, football has a global appeal no other sport can match.

"People think rugby and football are separate," Martinez said.

"It is not true. Even in the semi-final we had incredible support from the rugby people.

"The success of two clubs is important for our town. Only sport can bring people together like this and it is something the players are well aware of."

City has its own reason to win - not least the pressure manager Roberto Mancini would come under if it did not.

It is also overwhelming favourite and has won both Premier League meetings between the sides this season.

It gives Martinez a tricky decision about fielding skipper Gary Caldwell, who was particularly poor in midweek, or Roman Golobart, who is badly lacking in experience, alongside Paul Scharner in central defence.

"The defensive problems are something we need to accept and find solutions to," the Spaniard added.

"I have never seen anything like the injury situation we have.

"But we have to cope with it. We won't use it as an excuse. We need to find the answers."

The 24-year-old remains in hospital but is likely to be discharged at the weekend and will return for a check-up in about a month, a club representative indicated.

Sinclair was taken to hospital after feeling unwell last Friday and news of his condition emerged after his side's game at Swansea City.

Speaking after his side's latest game against West Bromwich Albion, manager Roberto Mancini said: "We are very sorry for Scott but we hope he recovers quickly.

"Scott is getting better, he is in the hospital."

Dzeko struck against the Baggies for the third time this season to hand a much-changed City a 1-0 win from a surprisingly open Premier League contest at the Etihad Stadium.

The victory strengthened City's grip on second place in the table and also made mathematically certain of UEFA Champions League football next season.

Mancini had made eight changes with this weekend's Wembley date with Wigan Athletic in mind but Dzeko could have played himself into contention.

The Italian said: "Yes, could be. I am happy because he scored an important goal.

"With his goal we are in the Champions League and probably in second position.

"We have four days to recover from this game, so could be."

Dzeko's future has been the subject of speculation and Mancini feels the 27-year-old, who has now scored 14 times this season, can improve.

He said: "In the end he has scored important goals this season.

"I think he can do better. For me he is a top striker but he could score more goals.

"It is clear he didn't play all the games. I think he is one of the best in Europe for me but he can do better than this year."

Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero and David Silva were among those players rested by Mancini.

Toure had been a fitness doubt after being withdrawn at half-time at Swansea City last weekend through fatigue but Mancini expects him to be fit for Wembley.

He said: "Yaya was at home to sleep. He had a problem, he was tired. Against Swansea he had a problem and we prefer he had a rest.

"We have four days and I need to see the players the next couple of days. I will take the last decision on Saturday.

"I thought this was a difficult game because we changed a lot of players.

"We needed fresh players for this game and in the end it is important that we won."

City hit the woodwork through Carlos Tevez and James Milner while Jack Rodwell had a number of good chances.

But West Brom created several good opportunities itself and hit the bar through Markus Rosenberg.

Baggies boss Steve Clarke said: "We didn't have too much time to prepare for the game but thew way the players applied themselves was excellent.

"We played well and were unlucky not to get something.

"We had chances, Joe Hart made his usual number of good saves.

"Markus hit a free-kick against the crossbar and we were a bit wasteful at times.

"But when you come to these places you have to be on top of your game all the time.

"I felt in the first half we had a spell where we lost our way a little bit, we lost momentum, we made a few mistakes and encouraged them into the game.

"When you encourage a team like Manchester City into the game they will punish you, and that is what they did."

One controversial incident saw City's Aleksandar Kolarov catch Gabriel Tamas on the head with a high boot but Clarke did not complain.

He said: "My impression at the time was Kolarov was high but Gabby also stooped his head.

"He has got a nasty cut on the back of his head but I wouldn't be shouting it was a red card without seeing it again."

Dzeko, whose double at The Hawthorns in October included a last-gasp winner, guided home a volley after 35 minutes of a Premier League clash lacking in intensity but not incident.

Both sides spurned numerous chances with City hitting the woodwork twice through Carlos Tevez and James Milner in the first half and Marcus Rosenborg doing likewise for West Brom after the break.

The build-up to the game had a distinct lack of edge to it with both teams making a number of changes and fans slow to make their way into the ground.

City, although not mathematically certain of second place, made clear this weekend's date at Wembley was its priority as it fielded a team showing eight changes.

Captain Vincent Kompany and influential players Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy were rested completely while Sergio Aguero and David Silva were among those on the bench.

Joe Hart, Milner and Samir Nasri were the only three men to survive from the stalemate at Swansea City, meaning a whole new back four.

West Brom made four changes itself, giving a chance to goalkeeper Boaz Myhill and also bringing in James Morrison, Craig Dawson and Gabriel Tamas.

But despite the visitor's lack of obvious incentive, coming into the game comfortable in eighth place, it started brightly.

Romelu Lukaku had three good chances inside the opening six minutes but failed to trouble Hart, shooting and heading at the keeper and dragging another effort wide.

Tevez had City's first attempt after linking well with Nasri and cutting inside but his shot was well off-target.

Lukaku teed up Rosenborg at the other end but he too fired the wrong side of the post.

City settled and Jack Rodwell had a chance after Myhill failed to deal with an Aleksandar Kolarov free-kick but shot over from close range.

Kolarov was perhaps lucky to stay on the field after committing an offence of his own when he caught Tamas on the side of the head with a high boot.

The Romanian left the field for treatment, later to return bandaged up, while Kolarov escaped with a yellow card from referee Phil Dowd.

City then enjoyed a good spell as Tevez shot narrowly over from the edge of the box and Milner slammed a good chance from a dangerous Nasri cross.

Rodwell was then inches away from turning a Kolarov corner towards goal and Tevez rattled the crossbar with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.

The opening goal came moments later as Tevez broke away down the right and clipped back a delicate cross for Dzeko.

Dzeko, guilty of a glaring miss at Swansea, watched carefully and guided a well-weighted volley past Myhill.

City maintained the momentum and Rodwell had a shot cleared off the line and another effort deflected wide before Milner drove against the foot of the post.

Tevez played in Rodwell after another good break but again the otherwise impressive former Everton midfielder was out of luck and missed the target.

The break came at a good time for West Brom and it began the second period with renewed vigour.

Rosenborg smashed a free-kick against the bar after being tripped by Javi Garcia on the edge of the area and Hart then saved well from Billy Jones' follow-up header.

Hart was in action again soon after, tipping a low effort from Morrison wide of the post.

West Brom applied pressure for a spell but was unable to break through and City came back at it.

Nasri slipped past three defenders on a run into the box but Tevez could not connect with his cross and Rodwell's attempt was blocked. The ball came back to Rodwell but again he was denied as Myhill saved.

Nasri won a free-kick which led to a little squabble with Claudio Yacob but Kolarov wasted the opportunity.

Rosenborg connected with a volley from the edge of the area but Hart grasped the ball and Baggies manager Steve Clarke made the controversial decision to send on unpopular striker Peter Odemwingie.

He was predictably greeted negatively by the visiting support but West Brom continued to press and Youssouf Mulumbu got behind the defence before Jones had a goalbound shot blocked.

Another substitute, Shane Long, fired into the side-netting with his first touch.

Maicon came off the City bench and blazed over, prompting a mass exodus as the game petered out in the closing minutes.

City has announced it will feature alongside Balotelli's current club AC Milan in the four-team Audi Cup in Munich in July and August.

The controversial Balotelli left City in January after an eventful two-and-a-half-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.

Host Bayern Munich and Brazilian club Sao Paulo are the other clubs taking part in the competition, which will see games played at the Allianz Arena on July 31 and August 1.

City's chief commercial and operating officer Tom Glick said: "We are delighted to have been invited to take part in the Audi Cup and to be competing with some of the best teams in the world.

"This tournament forms a significant part of our pre-season preparations and we are very much looking forward to it."

Another former City player, Nigel de Jong, could be in action for Milan while Jerome Boateng, also once of the English side, now plays for Champions League finalist Bayern.

City is also due to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong in July, along with Tottenham, Sunderland and South China FC.

City's quest to cement second place in the table continues this evening when it hosts West Bromwich Albion, three days after the club had to settle for a point at Swansea City.

After the 0-0 draw with the Swans, Mancini expressed his frustration at how his players had failed to make the most of their opportunities during the game.

And on the subject of negotiating league fixtures in the last few days building up to a Wembley trip, the Italian said: "It is difficult and (the Swansea match) was difficult as our concentration is on the final.

"But we need to play these games and for us it is important to win."

Mancini has emphasised that it is far from ideal to have to play four days before a cup final, but acknowledged that Wigan - which hosts Swansea tonight - is in the same boat.

"It would be better to have one week (of unbroken preparation)," Mancini said.

"But we play Wigan and it is the same for them. Then we have four days to prepare."

Mancini, who rested striker Carlos Tevez by dropping him to the bench for the Swansea match, is set to shuffle his pack further for the visit of the Baggies.

Midfielder Yaya Toure was withdrawn at half-time at the Liberty Stadium as a precaution and may sit out the West Brom contest.

Mancini said: "We need to change as we will be playing a second game in three days and we need some players to be fresh."

City captain Vincent Kompany is keeping an open mind on his chances of featuring, but is in no doubt that Mancini will select a "strong'' team.

Asked if he expected to play against Albion, the centre-back said: "I don't know, but the manager has got loads of options and I am sure that whatever side he puts out will be a strong side.

"It's a game that we have to win. There is no other way to think about this game.

"Until we are safe for that Champions League spot we have to play the games like every other game.

"It (Saturday) is a big, big day for the club - it's massive and everyone realises that.

"But it would be nice to win the game against West Brom. That would set us up really nicely.''

Someone certain to not be involved against the Baggies is Scott Sinclair after confirmation at the weekend that the winger was being treated in hospital for a blood clot in his shoulder.

After this evening's clash, City's remaining league games see it travel to Reading and then host Norwich.

Lukaku has been in fine form following his season-long loan move from Chelsea to Albion last summer, netting 14 goals for the Baggies and earning a place on the PFA Young Player of the Year award shortlist.

Centre-back Kompany has described the 19-year-old striker as an "unbelievable talent" and feels fortunate to be able to play alongside him for Belgium - but is also looking forward to the challenge he could be set of trying to contain him in Tuesday's Barclays Premier League contest.

"Romelu is probably one of the biggest talents in Europe at the moment," Kompany said.

"We are very lucky with him, being a very young striker, and Christian Benteke (Aston Villa's Belgium frontman, who was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award).

"We have two unbelievable talents coming through.

"I am looking forward to playing against him. He will be a world beater in England very soon."

It remains to be seen whether or not Kompany does line up against Lukaku given City boss Roberto Mancini may opt to shuffle his pack with one eye on the FA Cup final against Wigan Athletic which comes four days later.

The defender is keeping an open mind on the matter, but with City keen to cement second place in the table he is sure Mancini will select a "strong" team to face West Brom.

Asked if he expected to play against Albion, Kompany said: "I don't know, but the manager has got loads of options and I am sure that whatever side he puts out will be a strong side.

"It's a game that we have to win. There is no other way to think about this game.

"Until we are safe for that Champions League spot we have to play the games like every other game.

"It (Saturday) is a big, big day for the club - it's massive and everyone realises that.

"But it would be nice to win the game against West Brom. That would set us up really nicely to focus on the final."

City could only manage a 0-0 draw on Saturday at Swansea City, and Mancini expressed his frustration afterwards at missed opportunities by his players, as well as at referee Mike Jones' rejection of the visitors' penalty appeals when Edin Dzeko went over Chico Flores' trailing leg in the box.

In Kompany's view, there were plenty of encouraging aspects to City's display that bode well for the remainder of their season, which features league games at Reading and at home against Norwich City after the West Brom and Wigan matches.

"Probably our second-half performance was as good as our first half was bad," the 27-year-old said.

"It's always important to finish strong and I think we did that.

"In the end, I think if you look at the game, you say we should have won, but I still leave with a positive feeling because of the second half. Everything we did wrong in the first half we put right in the second half.

"In the second half I thought our pressing was brilliant.

"What we did in previous weeks was to start the games really well and then in the last 20 minutes I think we let ourselves down.

"But this week it was good to finish strongly and we are going to take that into the last four games of the season."

In terms of rotation, Mancini rested striker Carlos Tevez by dropping him to the bench for Saturday's game, while midfielder Yaya Toure was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution and may sit out Tuesday's game.

Scott Sinclair won't feature following confirmation at the weekend that the winger was being treated in hospital for a blood clot on his shoulder.

Mancini has made it clear the England number one will not be in his starting line-up to face Wigan Athletic at Wembley this weekend, preferring to reward Costel Pantilimon for his performances in getting City to Wembley.

The Romanian has played in all of City's domestic cup fixtures this season, and Mancini believes it would be unfair to alter his selection policy, despite Hart's disappointment.

When asked if he may be tempted to pick Hart for the final, the Italian said: "I don't think so, we decided this at the start of the season. Pantilimon deserves to play.

"Joe won the FA Cup two years ago, he won the Premier League last year, he is the best keeper in England and I think he should be happy his second keeper can play in a big game.

"I know he wants to play but we decided at the start of the season it was important for Pantilimon to play in the two cups."

City stuttered to a goalless draw with Swansea City on the weekend, with Edin Dzeko and David Silva missing great chances to claim all three points.

Mancini admitted Dzeko's miss from four yards summed up a season where City's lack of goals has cost it; the Blues have found the net 61 times so far this season, compared to 87 at this stage last term.

But the Italian does not believe the decision to sell Mario Balotelli to AC Milan in January played a part in its failure to retain the league title.

Balotelli had scored just two league goals before moving to the San Siro, but has been in prolific form since.

Mancini said: "For Mario it was better to go back to Italy and even with Mario I think the season would have been the same."

He added: "It is difficult when you consider why you don't score enough goals. Last year we scored 20 goals more than this season and we are missing them, it's too many.

"If we had scored another 10-20 goals we could have been fighting for the league."

But Mancini was cagey when asked if a striker was on his northern summer shopping list.

"We can't know which player can score 25 goals next year. If we knew that we would be magicians," he said.

"We have good players and were unlucky this season. Now it is important we win the FA Cup and then try to improve our team."

The Spaniard has scored 21 goals during a stunning first season in English football but he was withdrawn during the second half against City with a hamstring problem.

While Laudrup was not sure if the forward had suffered a tear, it will be enough to end his involvement this campaign.

He said: "He has a hamstring problem. I am not sure if he has torn it but, even if it is less than that, this will be his last game of the season."

Swansea has now failed to score in its last three fixtures, and has not tasted victory in seven.

But Laudrup and City boss Roberto Mancini were both aggrieved at referee Mike Jones' refusal to award what appeared to be two clear penalties.

In the first half Michu was clattered by Matija Nastasic having flicked the ball beyond the defender, only for Cheshire official Jones to wave away appeals.

City was also furious after Jones refused to point to the spot when Edin Dzeko went over Chico Flores' trailing leg just past the hour.

Swansea has not been awarded a Premier League penalty this season and Laudrup said of its appeal: "I thought from the bench it was a penalty, and after seeing it again I think even more so.

"We have had 35 games in the league with no penalties, maybe we will get one next year."

But Laudrup was pleased with a point, even if it extended Swansea's winless run.

"I have to be pleased with a point, especially if you analyse the game," he said.

"In the first 35 minutes we played some very good football and created chances.

"But if you don't score in your good moments there is always a danger the other team will come into the game, especially a side like Manchester City, who can punish you.

"They had two good chances at the end of the first half, and had a huge chance through Dzeko at the end of the game, so in the end I am pleased with a point against the champions from last season."

Mancini was similarly unimpressed with Jones' decision to turn away its own protests after Dzeko's tumble.

"We deserved to win as we missed a lot of chances," he said.

"We had three incredible chances in the first half and two or three in the second half, and a penalty that I don't know why the referee did not give.

"I am not 100 per cent sure it was a penalty, I am 200 per cent sure.

"It was impossible not to get a penalty for that.

"I did not see Swansea's appeal, I saw ours as it was close to the bench, it was incredible."

As well as not being given a penalty, Mancini also saw Dzeko miss a gilt-edged late chance to give his side victory.

The striker somehow placed a shot wide with the goal gaping from just four yards out, but Mancini refused to criticise him.

"I think we are very sorry as he played well and deserved to score," said the Italian.

Mancini also alleviated any fears Yaya Toure may have picked up an injury just a week before the FA Cup final.

The Cote d'Ivoire international was taken off at the interval but Mancini said: "He was tired and we thought it was better to bring him off."

Sinclair, 24, did not travel with Roberto Mancini's squad to face his former club Swansea City after being taken ill during training on Friday.

Sinclair is understood to be in a comfortable condition and his illness is not life-threatening.

The club sent a get-well message to the former England Under-21 international on Twitter, and manager Roberto Mancini said: "Scott had a problem yesterday, I don't think it is a bad situation and it is under control."

Press Association Sport understands Sinclair in being treated at the Alexandra Hospital in Manchester and the club expects to know more about his condition within the next 48 hours.

Sinclair would now appear unlikely to have any hope of playing a part in next weekend's FA Cup final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley at the end of a frustrating first season with the club.

Since leaving Swansea for the Etihad Stadium he has made just two Premier League starts, and reports claim Mancini is willing to listen to offers for the ex-Chelsea player.

Tottenham struck a potentially lethal blow race for a top-four place with Bale again the hero, in a 1-0 win over Southampton.

Tottenham was struggling to find a way past the Saints at White Hart Lane until the man of the moment, PFA Player of the Year Bale, unleashed a stinging 20-yard winner.

Arsenal went third courtesy of Theo Walcott's first-minute goal against already relegated Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road in the late game.

Arsenal (36 games) is third on 67 points, ahead of Chelsea (34 games) and Tottenham (35 games) with the battle for a Champions League spot to go down to the wire.

Wigan Athletic's annual role as the escape artist was reprised again as it won 3-2 at West Brom.

Time and again Roberto Martinez's side has ended the season strongly to stay up, but going into this meeting five points shy of the rest, it looked in trouble.

That situation increased when Shane Long tucked in Markus Rosenberg's cross for the Baggies, but Arouna Kone levelled before the break.

Gareth McAuley put West Brom ahead again five minutes after the restart but never-say-die Wigan equalised through James McArthur (58) and won it when Callum McManaman scored with 10 minutes left.

Wigan now has 35 points, three less than Norwich City whose dismal 2013 continued as it was beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa.

Gabriel Agbonlahor scored both goals for the visitor, which ensured Paul Lambert enjoyed a happy return to his old club.

Grant Holt scored a penalty inbetween times, but Norwich is now in trouble, compared to Villa whose two wins in a week have pushed it out to 40 points.

A 0-0 draw at West Ham United left Newcastle United in bother on 38 points, but being already relegated played into the hands of Reading, which went goal crazy at Fulham, winning 4-2.

Hal Robson-Kanu's early penalty put Reading on its way to giving Nigel Adkins his first win in charge, with the Wales international doubling his tally (62).

Bryan Ruiz gave Fulham a lifeline eight minutes later but Adam Le Fondre replied and, even though Ruiz scored again (77), Jem Karacan wrapped things up for Reading.

There was no such drama at Swansea City, though, as the Capital One Cup winner played out a meek goalless draw with Manchester City.

City's owners have made their ambition abundantly clear over the past few years and a response to the loss of their Premier League crown is only to be expected.

But it could actually be argued their fightback has already begun following the re-signing of their midfield linchpin Yaya Toure in early April.

Since his arrival from Barcelona three years ago, the big, powerful and inspirational Ivorian has been City's driving force and the news he is committed to the Etihad Stadium for another four years could be as important as any new arrival.

Toure, 29, dictates the pace of games, keeping his team moving with his wide range of frequent and quick passing and being ready to surge forward whenever an opportunity arises.

His strength makes him difficult to dispossess and his finishing ability adds an extra layer of threat.

Without him City is not the same side, as has been evident during the mid-season spells in each of the last two campaigns when he has been away on African Nations Cup duty with Ivory Coast.

Last year City slipped out of both domestic cup competitions during his absence and this term costly league points were dropped at the hands of QPR and Liverpool.

He went straight back into the side for a game at Southampton in February but was not as his best as City suffered the loss which effectively ended the title race as a contest.

At the time speculation was beginning to mount over his future, not helped from City's point of view by an extraordinary threat from his representative.

Dimitri Seluk was quoted in March issuing an ultimatum that his client - who was still contracted for another two years at the time - wanted a new deal thrashed out within weeks or he would leave.

None of that chimed with recent comments from Toure professing a desire to stay and Seluk's deadline passed without development.

Nevertheless, City acted and a new agreement for a player who was already one of their highest earners was not long in coming.

Almost immediately, Toure was looking to the future and the challenge of helping permanently establish City among the game's elite.

Toure said: "I was thinking about it a long time and want to have a long time at City because it is a club where everybody wants to achieve something.

"City have a big project in the future and I am very happy with my decision.

"I want to stay at the one club where I will get everything and I think the club will get everything here.

"The people are nice, the fans are nice and they have a big project."

Toure even spoke of ending his career at the club.

"If I retire at Manchester City I hope to retire with a lot of trophies, something very important," he said.

"I want to do as much as possible to make this club become great, with my force, my commitment, my mentality. Most importantly, I want to try to make the fans happy."

The fans' gratitude was soon obvious as, days after signing his new deal, Toure ran himself to a standstill to help City secure an FA Cup final spot with a typically influential display against Chelsea at Wembley.

Toure said of the supporters: "They continue to help the team and give you more strength.

"All the time they were unbelievable. I think I know now I made a very good choice to sign the new contract.

"I want to continue to make history and continue to be part of the story of the club.

"With those kind of fans it would be difficult for me to leave."

The title is now gone but City are preparing to return to the national stadium to face Wigan in the final.

Victory would secure silverware for a third successive season, two years after Toure helped end the club's 35-year trophy drought with the winning goal in its last FA Cup final appearance against Stoke.

"The season was quite difficult for us," he said. "We had some important players injured and I had to go with my national team.

"All these things were very difficult.

"The final against Wigan is going to be very difficult again, but we hope to do it for the fans."

It was reported this week that City's director of football Txiki Begiristain recently dined with the agent of Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini, the Chilean who has been touted as a potential successor to Mancini.

Mancini jokingly swore when asked about Pellegrini at a press conference in February and, although clearly irritated by recurring stories suggesting he could leave City at the end of this season, he continues to brush off the matter.

When asked about the latest rumours, he jokingly said: "I hope that he had a good dinner!"

City has not commented on whether Begiristain did meet Jesus Martinez in Madrid but, even if he did, as the agent represents a number of players it could have been for other reasons.

But besides that, Mancini feels his record at City, having won an FA Cup and an English Premier League title, bears scrutiny and, after signing a five-year contract last year, is confident in his position.

The Italian, speaking at his press conference to preview this weekend's game at Swansea, pointed out that Pellegrini is merely one of several names the press have linked with his job this season.

He said: "In general, in the last six months, you have written everything.

"You started six or seven months ago with Pep (Guardiola), (Jose) Mourinho, Pellegrini, (Carlo) Ancelotti, Brendan Rodgers.

"I have four years (left on my) contract. I know that I work with serious people, like (chairman) Khaldoon (Al Mubarak) and (owner) Sheikh Mansour.

"I think that if there was another manager who won three trophies in three years you would say nothing about this manager.

"I don't know why you, in general, continue to ask or say these things."

Mancini, who has also won a Community Shield and hopes to add another FA Cup this month, claims his future has not even been a matter for discussion with Khaldoon.

He said: "Never, never. We don't have to talk about this. We don't have any problems about this.

"We have a good relationship. In three years we have won three trophies and now we have another chance to get another trophy."

Mancini has not spoken to Begiristain about his reported meeting but the pair is working together on potential transfer targets.

Mancini said: "We talk about the future, about the players.

"Txiki goes around the world for his job. For this reason I don't have any problem if he goes to a dinner with Pellegrini's manager, or Brendan Rodgers' manager.

"I think this is not true, but if he went I don't have any problem."

City's campaign has not matched the heights of last season with its title defence proving a disappointing one. Yet it can still end respectably by securing second spot in the table and beating Wigan in the FA Cup final next week.

Mancini said: "If in three years I didn't win (anything), okay, but we have done a good job until now. We won.

"We have a chance to win (the FA Cup) and are in second position.

"The chairman can take any decision about his manager but at the moment we don't have any problem.

"We didn't have any problem one month ago, two months ago.

"I am frustrated because I wanted to win a second Premier League and we had a chance, but sometimes you can do mistakes. This is life, this can happen."

City is now expected to make a number of changes to its squad in the off-season in an attempt to make up the ground lost to new champion Manchester United next season, as well as performing better in Europe.

Mancini failed to land any of his prime targets last northern summer, eventually making a number of mostly disappointing signings close to the transfer deadline.

He will hope to move earlier and more decisively this time.

He said: "I think we need to improve our team.

"The next Premier League will be more difficult, but we have a team to try to win the Premier League.

"It's important to do a better job in the Champions League and for this we need to improve our team, because at the moment we are too far from the first five or six teams in the Champions League.

"The Champions League is really strange, if you are lucky maybe you can go through or arrive in the semi-final, football is strange, but after we need to improve our team."

The 24-year-old has started just three games for City since his £6.2 million ($9.4 million) move from Swansea City last August.

Sinclair has been linked with a return to Swansea ahead of City's Premier League trip to the Liberty Stadium this weekend.

Mancini accepts he has not given the Great Britain Olympic player much opportunity and could understand if he was frustrated.

Mancini said: "This situation with Sinclair is difficult because I didn't give him a lot of chances to play. He is very unlucky.

"It is my fault, not his fault. A young player like Scott who is a good player deserves to play always.

"For him, it was a really difficult year this year."

When asked if that might mean Sinclair deserves to play somewhere else, Mancini, speaking at his regular press conference, said: "Scott is young and he has good quality but this year was difficult for him.

"I think it is better if he can have another solution.

"If he stays here, maybe, everything can change but I can understand his frustration in this moment because he didn't play a lot of games.

"For me, he is a good player. We have one team. For him, it was difficult.

"I repeat - he did everything well, he worked well, he is a good guy, he deserves to play.

"I can understand when one player can't play often it is difficult."

Sinclair's potential exit could be part of a busy northern summer at Eastlands as Mancini reshapes his squad after the loss of the Premier League title to Manchester United.

The club has this week been linked with Shakhtar Donetsk's £20 million ($30.32 million)-rated Brazil midfielder Fernandinho.

Mancini was unwilling to discuss that rumour much and expects this northern summer's transfer market to be competitive.

He said: "We can talk about Fernandinho. Fernandinho is a good player but he plays for Shakhtar.

"I don't think there are a lot of good players (available) around the world.

"There are also four or five top teams who want to buy good players. It could be difficult."

Of the two managers preparing teams for the FA Cup final, it is not the one who has spent most of the past four seasons fighting relegation battles that seems to be under pressure.

Victory at Wembley over Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic would secure a major trophy for a third successive season for Mancini at City, coming after the 2011 FA Cup win and last season's dramatic Premier League triumph.

It is a run that has transformed the image of a club that until its 2008 takeover by Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi was renowned for underachievement and failure, glorious and otherwise.

Yet that has not seemed enough to some observers, with speculation that billionaire-backed City could wield the axe recurring after almost every indifferent result.

A host of top names have been linked with Mancini's job but few boast the pedigree of the 48-year-old incumbent, who also won three Serie A crowns and four Italian Cups while coaching in his homeland.

To his credit, Mancini has dealt with frequent questions about his future at his regular press conferences this season with politeness and, occasionally, humour.

Only once did he genuinely seem to lose his temper over the matter, that being when it emerged some months into the campaign that he had spoken to Monaco last season.

Yet even then his anger was fuelled because he felt he had dealt with the matter the previous week, only for his choice of words in a language not his own to have left question marks.

His frustration was understandable, however, given that the Monaco stories referred to a time predating City's title win and the hierarchy's subsequent decision to hand him a new five-year contract.

Much had changed since that apparent dalliance and, despite all the regular conjecture since, Mancini has spoken with the confidence of someone secure in his job throughout the season.

His comfort has seen him joke regularly with the media, most notably when he walked into a press conference wearing a David Platt mask, mocking his own apparent reluctance to attend on previous occasions and send his assistant instead. On another day he wore a Comic Relief red nose.

In fact, the temper and awkwardness that apparently exists in the dressing room and on the training ground is rarely seen outside game-day situations.

The matches, however, are a different matter with a confrontation with a cameraman and another with a referee providing evidence of his intensity when close to the action.

Occasionally there have also been difficult post-match comments about players such as Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Samir Nasri which may have done little for harmony within the camp.

A club-versus-country row over captain Vincent Kompany also seemed unnecessary but as last season's infamous wrangle with Carlos Tevez showed, even the most bitter disputes can be overcome.

The one notable man-management exception which can be thrown back at him though is that, of course, of Mario Balotelli.

The Balotelli circus dragged on too long for the good of the club and even though the madcap striker has rediscovered his goalscoring touch with AC Milan, his sale in January made sense.

Balotelli's outrageous antics were comical and even endearing at first, while he at least contributed on the pitch, but as his influence waned they became a patience-draining distraction, even for Mancini.

Faced with the task of keeping a faltering domestic title defence alive after another disappointing UEFA Champions League showing, Mancini did not need pictures of him brawling with Balotelli hitting the press.

It was Balotelli's final life and even though Milan played a cat and mouse game over his signature, the transfer made sense for all parties.

By then, however, the league crown won in such exhilarating fashion last season was already starting to slip away.

A shock loss at Southampton in February effectively ended the title race as a contest and Mancini conceded defeat to Manchester United after another dismal display against Everton.

Coming after failure to progress beyond the group in the Champions League, it is only to be expected that Mancini's position at such an ambitious club should be under review.

But as Mancini has often pointed out, he did not land any of his chief transfer targets last northern summer and several of last season's key players have suffered form dips or been injured at key times.

Results may be the determining factor but for a club likely to finish second - a highest placing since 1977, last season aside - and through to the FA Cup final, they do not seem to have been too bad.

Sinclair left the south Wales club a matter of weeks after Laudrup took over from Brendan Rodgers last northern summer, joining Manchester City on the final day of the transfer window.

But the winger has found first-team opportunities limited at the Etihad Stadium, making just two Premier League starts so far this season, and it is far from certain he will feature when City travels to face Swansea on Saturday (Sunday AEST).

Reports have suggested Roberto Mancini is ready to listen to offers for the 24-year-old, who scored 27 goals for Swansea during its promotion campaign, and a further eight during its first season in the Premier League.

Laudrup would not rule out the prospect of bringing Sinclair back to Swansea, either in a permanent deal or on loan, even though the Dane is also looking at other potential targets.

"We have other players who can play that position that we are looking at," he said.

"We have to make some decisions when we start talking to people about what is possible and what is not. Because it is one thing having names on paper and another when you start talking about salaries, transfers and all that.

"But he (Sinclair) has quality and he has already shown it and we will see what decisions we make on that for the future.

"Good players in his position are always an option and he has a British passport which is another thing we have to look at in an overall perspective."

The Dane suggested Sinclair's impressive goal tally while at the club would make him an attractive proposition, given Swansea's reliance on Michu's heroics this season.

"That's one thing to consider," he said. "We need more goals next year. We cannot expect Michu to score as many goals.

"We've scored 43 goals this season, one less than last season, and we have four games to go.

"But many of them have come from one player and you cannot put so much pressure on his shoulders.

"I would love Michu to repeat his goal-scoring numbers next year, but we cannot expect it so we have to divide the goals out to more players.

"We will need to bring in somebody who has scored goals on a regular basis in their career."

City may not have defended its title but it is determined to claim the runner-up spot and win the FA Cup to put a healthier gloss on its campaign.

With a six-point advantage over third-placed Chelsea, it looks well on course to achieve that first aim, but Platt insists there will be no slackening off with the second task in mind.

City travels to Swansea and hosts West Bromwich Albion before taking on Wigan in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Platt, the first-team coach at the Etihad Stadium, said: "I have been saying for weeks that this football club is obligated to win football matches.

"If we can secure second place within the next two or three games that won't put any kind of slant on our last two games, at Reading and at home against Norwich.

"We want to win football matches, that is what the players want to do.

"They don't like getting beaten, which they did at Tottenham last week, even though we controlled the game for large periods.

"We have no doubts. We don't need the stimulus and motivation of going for trophies to go out there and perform."

But Platt does admit that thoughts will soon start to turn towards next season.

City, who snatched the title in such exhilarating fashion on the final day of last term, was unable to hit the ground running at the start of the current campaign.

That is something they intend to avoid repeating next August.

Former England international Platt said: "Maybe once we have made sure nobody can come past us we can look at some kind of strategy for next season.

"Football is no different to horse racing, you want to show them a racecourse because you can stand them in good stead the following year. We will have a look at that later.

"At this moment in time our focus and intensity is to make sure we amass full points, secure second position and win an FA Cup final.

"Once we have done that we will look at other things."

The New York Times reported that Mansour has entered final talks with the US league for a 20th club and is willing to pay a US$100 million ($96.42 million) expansion fee for a team that could be dubbed New York FC and begin play in 2016.

A deal is nearly set, the newspaper claims, to build a US$340 million ($327.82 million) stadium that would seat 25,000 spectators as a new home for the club near the US Open tennis grounds and the home stadium of Major League Baseball's New York Mets.

MLS hopes to announce the deal ahead of Manchester City's exhibition match at New York's Yankee Stadium against English rival Chelsea on 25 May, according to the report.

The sheik's group bought Manchester City in 2008 for US$330 million ($318.18 million) and the team won its first Premier League crown in 44 years in 2012.

Gareth Bale walked away with the honour on a night of personal glory at a plush London ceremony on Sunday night.

That Nastasic did not even make the six-man nominations list left Lescott stunned, particularly as the 20-year-old Serb is responsible for him spending so much time on the sidelines this season.

"I have no gripe with him. You don't begrudge someone who comes in and does well," said Lescott.

"It was a bit harsh he was not nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.

"He plays beyond his years and if he was English he would have had a lot more recognition.

"He's not a glamorous sort of player who comes out with the ball. He just does his job exceptionally well."

Yet Nastasic's presence, along with that of skipper Vincent Kompany is sure to focus Lescott's mind about whether to remain at City for the final year of his contract.

The 30-year-old has set his sights on a place in England's 2014 World Cup squad.

But his failure to gain selection for Roy Hodgson's initial party for the two most recent games against San Marino and Montenegro - even if he did end up starting both - has given Lescott something to ponder.

"It would be tough to have another season like this," said Lescott.

"I've only started 14 games and that is not great going into a World Cup.

"If my place in the squad was secure at international level then it would be a little bit easier.

"But I only got into the last squad by default.

"It was a reality check and made me realise I need to make a decision and it needs to be the right one for my career."

Lescott is phlegmatic about his chances of being selected for the FA Cup final against Wigan Athletic on May 11, knowing Nastasic was the man called upon for victory over Chelsea in the semi final.

"I have played in the majority of the earlier rounds but it is up to the manager to decide on the day," he said.

"Obviously my future has been well documented but this is a special club to me.

"I feel like we've done a lot together and I'd love to stay.

"But I am not naive enough to think I'm definitely going to.

"If at the end I can say I've won two FA Cups, the Premier League and a Community Shield during my time at City then it wouldn't be too bad would it?"

As it turned out, the withdrawals of Rio Ferdinand and Gary Cahill meant Lescott not only got a call-up, but played in the matches against San Marino and Montenegro, even getting the honour of leading the team for the final 20 minutes of the former game once Frank Lampard had been replaced.

Yet the whole experience made Lescott think afresh about his future.

With a year remaining on his Manchester City contract, the 30-year-old insists he would like to sign an extension.

However, in making only his 14th Premier League start of the season in the 2-1 win over West Ham United, it underlined a lack of matches that could end up costing him a place on the plane to Brazil next year, should England qualify.

"It would be tough to have another season like this," said Lescott.

"I've only started 14 games and that is not great going into a World Cup.

"If my place in the squad was secure at international level then it would be a little bit easier.

"But I only got into the last squad by default.

"It was a reality check and made me realise I need to make a decision and it needs to be the right one for my career."

Internationally, the situation has been made even more complicated by John Terry's willingness to return to the fold.

It does seems highly unlikely given the political problems it would cause, not least involving Ferdinand, whom Roy Hodgson is thought to be considering for selection for the post-season friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

Nevertheless, it is something else for Lescott to consider.

"It is up to John," said Lescott.

"I believe if I am playing at a consistent level I can retain my place in the (England) team. I'm sure John feels the same.

"No disrespect to him but he hasn't played regularly for his club either. Probably there is only Phil Jagielka (of the England centre-halves) who has."

Lescott's appearances at City have been restricted since manager Roberto Mancini took the gamble of plunging 20-year-old Matija Nastasic into his starting line-up for the UEFA Champions League trip to Real Madrid in September.

The move paid off handsomely, with Nastasic subsequently underlining his status as one of the best young players in the Premier League with a series of mature displays.

"I have no gripe with him. You don't begrudge someone who comes in and does well," said Lescott.

"It was a bit harsh he was not nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.

"He plays beyond his years and if he was English he would have had a lot more recognition.

"He's not a glamorous sort of player who comes out with the ball. He just does his job exceptionally well."

It was Nastasic who got the call for the FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea, even though Lescott had started three of the previous four rounds.

Lescott is phlegmatic about his chances of being selected for the final against Wigan Athletic on 11 May, when City will look to extend its run of landing major silverware to three seasons.

"I have played in the majority of the earlier rounds but it is up to the manager to decide on the day," he said.

"Whoever is in the team knows they can do a job and all believe we can give a good account of ourselves.

"Obviously my future has been well documented but this is a special club to me.

"I feel like we've done a lot together and I'd love to stay.

"But I am not naive enough to think I'm definitely going to.

"If at the end I can say I've won two FA Cups, the Premier League and a Community Shield during my time at City then it wouldn't be too bad would it?"

The 2-1 weekend win over West Ham means City has now scored in 48 consecutive home games.

It is a remarkable feat and one which deserves due recognition.

The man Mancini's team have eclipsed, Scot Peter Hodge, was responsible for steering City out of English football's second tier in 1928 and into third spot in the top flight two years later.

It is worth noting only twice prior to that had City done any better, and at that point had not won the first of its three league championships to date.

Mancini is obviously being measured by an altogether different barometer.

So, the record was dismissed and victory accepted with some regret, even though it strengthened City's grip on a top-two finish, a feat the club has managed on only seven occasions in their entire history.

"Records only matter when you win a trophy," said Mancini. "With this one we do nothing.

"Our problem this year has been that we didn't score enough to win the title. Against West Ham we deserved to score four or five goals.

"This is my frustration for the season. We had chances to win at Tottenham last week and lost. And against West Ham we didn't score enough."

Sir Alex Ferguson reached a similar conclusion last season and went out and bought Robin van Persie, whom Mancini remains convinced he could have signed had the Blues hierarchy moved quickly enough.

Of all the names linked with City over the past months, Napoli's Edinson Cavani is the one that refuses to go away.

Yet the addition of another star striker in itself does not answer City's problems.

Although it was not one of their better displays, the Blues' goals against West Ham had the mark of class that has been stamped over most of their recent performances.

The involvement of Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri in Sergio Aguero's opener was wonderful. Toure's stunning second, as skipper Vincent Kompany noted, will be replayed worldwide.

What City needs is someone to pick up the slack when the main men are not firing. It is in that regard it has not been up to scratch.

Once a place in next season's Champions League is secure, Mancini may wish to use some of his fringe men to work out whether they are actually good enough.

Before that though, there is the little matter of a trip to Swansea and an FA Cup final to think about.

"Swansea will be important because we need to get three points," said Mancini.

"It will be difficult but if we do then we can prepare well for the final."

Daniel Agger's third-minute header and Jordan Henderson's strike put Brendan Rodgers' side ahead at half-time before two second-half goals from Daniel Sturridge and a strike for Fabio Borini gave Liverpool control.

Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy was sent off for his second bookable offence in the 75th minute after a clattering challenge on Philippe Coutinho before Henderson scored the Reds' sixth goal from a 25-yard free-kick.

The result leaves the Magpies firmly involved in a relegation battle, five points from safety with three games to play.

Emmerson Boyce's last minute own goal saw Tottenham Hotspur claim a late 2-2 draw against Premier League struggler Wigan Athletic to keep its UEFA Champions League qualification hopes alive.

Spurs took the early lead through PFA Player of the Year nominee Gareth Bale but his effort was soon cancelled out by Boyce, before Callum McManaman's firecracker looked to have earned Wigan a vital three points.

However, Boyce's afternoon ended on a sour note when Aaron Lennon's cross rebounded into the net off the Wigan defender's shins, as Roberto Martinez's side saw a vital two points evaporate.

The result means Tottenham missed the chance to move above Chelsea and instead remained in fifth place while Wigan remained in the relegation zone, two points behind Aston Villa, which plays Sunderland on Monday evening (Tuesday morning AEST).

It had all started so positively for Spurs when Bale pounced in the ninth minute after Latics goalkeeper Joel Robles and defender Maynor Figueroa were too slow in exchanging passes in the box. Robles' clearance was charged down by the Spurs man, who capitalised to give his side the advantage.

However, the lead was short-lived thanks to Boyce, who headed Wigan level two minutes later from Shaun Maloney's corner to leave the sides tied 1-1 at half-time.

McManaman then fired Wigan ahead in the 49th minute with a 25-yard strike which looked to have edged his side out of the relegation zone before Boyce's own goal.

In the early kick-off, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure lifted the gloom for deposed champion Manchester City with two outstanding goals to defeat West Ham United 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Aguero swept in a low ball from Samir Nasri for the first before Toure launched a powerful shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area in the 83rd minute.

The game looked to be done and dusted but West Ham refused to lie down as on-loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll popped up with a last-minute consolation.

Everton kept its chances of achieving European football next season alive as it beat Fulham 1-0 at Goodison Park. Steven Pienaar gave the Toffees the lead with a 16th-minute strike when he fired home after good work by Seamus Coleman on the byline.

West Bromwich Albion consolidated its place in the top half of the table and left Southampton one point adrift of the magical 40-point mark with a 3-0 win as both sides had players sent off at St Mary's.

The Baggies claimed an early advantage thanks to Marc-Antoine Fortune. Romelu Lukaku headed in the assist which Fortune bundled over the line in the sixth minute to give the Baggies a 1-0 half-time lead.

Lukaku then claimed a goal of his own after the break, Fortune turning provider, to double the lead, before Fortune and Southampton substitute Gaston Ramirez were both shown straight red cards for violent conduct. Ramirez caught Shane Long with his elbow and Fortune reacted by slapping the Saints midfielder around the head.

Long did not seemed to be too perturbed by the situation as he drilled West Brom's third six minutes later before Southampton ended the game with nine men when Daniel Fox was dismissed for a two-footed challenge on Steven Reid.

Elsewhere, Charlie Adam scored 49 seconds into the second half as Stoke City eased its relegation fears with a 1-0 win over Norwich City.

Adam, who had not scored in his previous 14 league appearances for the Potters, ended his drought when he lashed Peter Crouch's knock-down into Mark Bunn's net.

The result means Stoke reached the 40-point landmark, while Norwich remained two points adrift in 14th place.

City's defeat by Tottenham Hotspur last weekend gave Manchester United the chance to reclaim the trophy against Aston Villa, and it coasted to a 3-0 win.

Mancini said: "It doesn't change this. They deserve to win this title because they won a lot of games in a row. The crucial moment was when we played QPR, Liverpool, Southampton.

"That moment we had big problems with our players injured. We lost key points. United have more attitude than us, as a club, as a team."

It has long been simply a matter of when rather than if United would clinch a 20th top-flight title, which made the moment itself less hard to take for the City boss.

The Italian said: "It was over three, four, five games ago, not mathematically but it was over. They deserve to win this title, many congratulations to Manchester United for the work they did this season.

"They did better than us, they won a lot of games in a row, it was really difficult. We should be also realistic. If there is one team that did better than you, you can do nothing."

The England international was forced off with a hamstring injury at half-time of last week's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham.

The 27-year-old told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "I had a tight hamstring and as frustrating as it was to come off, I think it was the right decision.

"I'm hoping to get back into training and hopefully be fine for the weekend, which is obviously a positive."

City hosts West Ham on the weekend in the first game since Roberto Mancini's men lost its status as Premier League champion.

United wrapped up its 20th title with four games to spare on Monday when it beat Aston Villa 3-0.

Despite yet more investment in the squad last summer, City has, for the majority of the season, looked a pale imitation of the side that clinched the title in such dramatic fashion last season.

Allardyce thinks the main reason behind City's failure to stop its biggest rival from bouncing back is because of the nous of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson, one of Allardyce's closest friends in management, has suffered setbacks before and the West Ham boss thinks that there is little sign of the 71-year-old's dominance of the English game ending soon.

"You're always chasing the master and he has been the master for so long – it is difficult to sustain success against him," Allardyce told a press conference.

"Whenever he has a challenge, he may lose out once, but he comes back with flying colours. He's had it with Chelsea and, before that, Arsenal."

Speculation is rife that City will dispense with Mancini this summer due to the vast gulf that has emerged between the two clubs this summer.

City trails United by 16 points, but Allardyce thinks Blues fans can take pride in the way the club has battled its way to an FA Cup final against Wigan, which takes place next month.

"If they win the FA Cup and they finish second, it's a very good season," the 58-year-old said.

"When you win the league for the first time in so many [44] years it is very difficult to win it the second time round – no matter how much money you spend.

"Man City and Roberto will learn from that."

City will, no doubt, respond to losing its crown by trying to land a number of big stars for next season.

Big-money moves for Edinson Cavani, Radamel Falcao and Gareth Bale have all been mooted while one of the most surprising names reported to be on City's radar is West Ham forward Ravel Morrison.

Morrison swapped Manchester United for Upton Park one year ago but he struggled to break in to the first team and was shipped out on loan to Championship side Birmingham.

Allardyce plans to hold talks with the 20-year-old, who was fined £7000 ($10,500) for a homophobic tweet in February last year, when he returns from his loan spell mid year.

"We will discuss it when the season is over," Allardyce said.

"All the loan players and those out of contract, we will sit down and make a judgment before we move into contracts with other players."

One of those out-of-contract players is striker Carlton Cole, who has had a poor season, scoring just two goals in 27 appearances after being ousted from the first team by Liverpool loanee Andy Carroll.

Reports claim West Ham has offered the former Chelsea man a new deal to fend off interest from the United States, but Allardyce denied that was the case today.

The West Ham manager said: "He has not been offered a contract verbally."

West Ham will finally guarantee its top-flight status if it becomes just the second visiting team to win at the Etihad Stadium in the league this season.

An unbeaten five-match run has moved West Ham up to 10th in the table, leaving Allardyce in a relaxed mood.

"We've come out of a bleak spell and are moving into the final throws in a very comfortable position," he said.

"We can enjoy and relax without detracting from performance."

After last season's title win, this campaign has been something of a disappointment with below-par showings in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

That has been enough to spark speculation over the future of the City captain, with Barcelona mooted as a possible destination.

But the 27-year-old told The Sun: "I have no reason to go elsewhere.

"I am happy here, I have five years left and if you knew the plans for this team for the future... I consider that to be a real objective."

The red side of Manchester is partying after City's 3-1 loss at White Hart Lane and United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa gave Sir Alex Fergusons's side its 20th title.

Samir Nasri had put the away side ahead early in the first half, but despite controlling most of the play, City then crumbled.

Clint Dempsey, Jermain Defoe, and Gareth Bale scored within the space of seven minutes to floor the champion.

England goalkeeper Hart pulled no punches in his post-match assessment, telling City TV: "We took the lead and didn't kick on from there. Second half we just kind of existed and paid the price.

"I just thought we took our foot off the gas and you can't do that.

"Spurs have got a lot to play for and congratulations to them but I'm not really interested in them."

It was suggested that the exertions of a busy schedule could have contributed to its downfall.

A narrow win over Wigan Athletic in midweek gave Roberto Mancini's squad just three days to prepare for the game in north London, but Hart denied that fatigue was an issue, pointing out that the team's early exit from the UEFA Champions League should have kept the team fresh.

"No, we can't complain of that," he said.

"We messed up in Europe and we have had plenty of weeks rest so I don't think that is what it is down to. It was just a poor second half."

Twelve months ago City hoped it had ended United's domination of Manchester, but the Blues' only hope of silverware remains in the FA Cup, where they take on Wigan in next month's final.

The way City capitulated will be of concern to Roberto Mancini, but Hart is sure that the team will recover for the final few games of the season.

"We will bounce back easily, it is what we do," Hart said.

"We have proved that many a time. We have a big game coming up (against West Ham).

"It is always good to win at home and we have got the FA Cup final that all the boys are trying to win their spots for."

Bale returned from a two-and-a-half week injury absence on Sunday to help inspire Spurs to a dramatic 3-1 win over reigning champions Manchester City.

Although manager Andre Villas-Boas changed the game with his substitutions, Bale's contribution was also a key to the win, which came after Samir Nasri had put City ahead.

Bale curled a peach of a pass across the box to Clint Dempsey, who started off the comeback, and the Welshman scored himself eight minutes from time with a clever chip over Joe Hart to seal the win after Jermain Defoe had scored Spurs' second.

That strike took Bale's tally for the season to 23 - a highly impressive achievement which means he is the odds-on favourite to win the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year gong when it is announced on Sunday night.

"It's massive. It's great for your peers to vote for you," said Bale, who is also up for the Young Player of the Year award.

"Hopefully I do win. To be nominated is fantastic and fingers crossed (I do win)."

Ever the selfless man, Bale was keen to ensure his double nomination did not take the focus off what was a crucial win for Spurs.

The forward even played down his own contribution, merely describing his goal, which came after a brilliant slide-rule pass from Tom Huddlestone as "all right".

For, as everyone has been pointing out at White Hart Lane all season, Spurs are not a one-man team, and that showed on Sunday.

Huddlestone, Defoe, and Lewis Holtby all contributed hugely, while the character on display from the home side, coupled with Villas-Boas' tactical nous, gave Tottenham supporters hope that this will not be another season where its team throw away Champions League qualification in the home straight.

Spurs will move a point clear of third-placed Arsenal, who play Manchester United on Sunday, if it beats Wigan Athletic the day before, and Bale wants to see his team-mates show the same kind of fighting spirit for the remainder of the season.

"We knew it was a massive game and the lads showed what we have in the team - a lot of character," Bale added on Spurs TV Online.

"It was a fantastic turnaround. As soon as we scored the first everyone had that belief and confidence, the fans raised the noise and gave us that belief to go forward and thankfully we were able to score two more.

"We need to keep that character, team spirit, and togetherness in to the last five games and push for our objectives this season."

The initial diagnosis that Bale would miss only two matches when Basle's David Degen stood on his ankle on April 4, twisting it a right angle to his right leg, seemed optimistic.

Bale started sluggishly, but he discovered his explosive pace in the second half, dismissing fears that the tackle had caused long-term damage.

"My ankle was all right," Bale said.

"It was touch and go whether I was going to play but I got through it OK.

"It was a bit sore maybe in the first half but I got more confidence in the second half.

"It's just about managing it and carrying on."

There were no signs that Defoe's pelvis injury, which had kept him out for three weeks, troubled him and Spurs will be further boosted by the expected return of Aaron Lennon from a knee problem for Saturday's trip to Wigan.

All that has left Holtby, who supplied Defoe for his goal, in an upbeat mood about Spurs' chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

The German said: "The belief in the team is high. Gareth and Jermain came back and scored.

"The roof's just really going up and with Aaron Lennon coming back we're going to be even stronger."

Mancini conceded several weeks ago that the destination of the trophy appeared to be the red side of Manchester and a 3-1 defeat for the current title holder at Tottenham Hotspur could see United crowned champion sooner rather than later.

Tottenham's win, courtesy of goals from Clint Dempsey, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale, reignites its own quest for a top-four finish and means United can seal its 20th league title with victory over Aston Villa on Monday evening (Tuesday morning AEST).

Mancini admits the Red Devils are deserving champions, even if he does not believe they have the better team.

"It (the title race) was finished three or four weeks ago," Mancini added.

"They are not a better team but they deserve to win this title because we lost a lot of points in games we probably didn't deserve to lose.

"But United won a lot of games in a row with goals and deserve to win the title."

An early Samir Nasri goal had set City on its way to dragging its seemingly forlorn title challenge on for another week but three goals in a scintillating seven-minute spell for Spurs left Mancini eying his side's defending.

"We did two big mistakes," Mancini said.

"It's not easy to play here against Tottenham. They are a really good team with good players and a good manager. To come here and played like we did is not easy.

"We played well, we gave a good performance for almost 80 minutes and we had a chance to score the second goal. But we didn't score and after that we did two big mistakes.

"We had the game under control. Tottenham were trying to win because it was important for them, but I think we lost the game through our own fault."

After seeing his side complete a dramatic comeback and earn a famous win, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has urged his players to finish the season strongly.

Tottenham is a point off third-placed Chelsea and two behind Arsenal, although it has a game in hand on its north London rival ahead of this weekend's match against struggling Wigan Athletic.

"I think it was very important for the team to come back," he said. "In the first half we couldn't play our game the way we wanted the set back of suffering a goal so early affected our confidence.

"We have to continue, Wigan away will be difficult because Wigan are fighting for survival. You just have to gather the most amount of points as possible - that is our objective. Our game against Chelsea could be the decider in the end."

Bale scored his 23rd goal of the season after making a comeback from the ankle injury he suffered against Basel just over three weeks ago.

The Wales international struggled to impact the game in the early stages but was shifted to the right flank by Villas-Boas, who was pleased with Bale's contribution.

"Fitness levels are very, very difficult to understand," he added.

"We had the green light from the player and he felt well to approach the game and I think the impact of having him in the team is also important.

"When we moved him to the right, (Gael) Clichy stopped going forward due to the respect they have for Gareth.

"After he felt confident with his assist he gained a little bit more confidence and then the mind takes over the fitness levels and he was able to play the full 90 minutes with great importance."

Tottenham roared back from behind to stun defending champion City at White Hart Lane and revitalise its own push for UEFA Champions League qualification.

City's defeat left United's 13-point lead intact and means that Sir Alex Ferguson's side can secure an unprecedented 20th league crown if it wins at home to Aston Villa on Monday evening (Tuesday morning AEST).

It also left Spurs just one point beneath fourth-place Chelsea, which was prevented from reclaiming third place by a 97th-minute goal from Suarez in a 2-2 draw at Anfield.

However, Suarez had earlier appeared to bite Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on the arm in an incident that looks likely to yield retrospective punishment from the Football Association.

Spurs struck three times in the last 15 minutes through Clint Dempsey, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale to floor City, which had led through Samir Nasri since the fifth minute.

"We had everything in order. It is strange. It is not a correct result, but congratulations to Tottenham for the win," City manager Roberto Mancini told Sky Sports.

"The championship was finished three or four weeks ago. Manchester United deserved to win it.

"I think it is important to win as many of our five remaining games, and win the FA Cup final."

As well as trailing Chelsea by a point, Tottenham is now just two points behind third-place Arsenal and has a game in hand on its north London rival.

At Anfield, interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez was granted a warm reception on his return to the club he led to glory in the 2005 Champions League.

The Spaniard has failed to win over the fans of his current club, but he saw Chelsea take a 26th-minute lead when Oscar scored with a near-post header from a Juan Mata corner.

Liverpool introduced Daniel Sturridge at half-time and the former Chelsea player had an immediate impact, hitting the post from 20 yards and then netting an equaliser in the 52nd minute.

Suarez created the goal with a sumptuous cross but the Uruguayan gifted Chelsea an opportunity to restore its lead five minutes later by inexplicably handling a high ball inside the area.

Eden Hazard duly converted the ensuing penalty and Suarez sparked fresh acrimony when he appeared to sink his teeth into Ivanovic's upper arm during a penalty-box tussle.

Referee Kevin Friend did not see the incident and Suarez finished the game by heading a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage-time.

The 32-year-old signed a five-year deal when he arrived from Aston Villa in 2009 and wants to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond summer 2014.

Quoted in several national newspapers, Barry said: "I am happy here and very settled.

"I spent 12 years at Villa and I've spent four years at City and I'm not really one for moving around. I'd like to stay as long as possible.

"For a player to feel settled and feel very comfortable, you generally want to be playing regular football - and I've been lucky enough to feature in a lot of games this season.

"That's one reason why I am happy to stay."

He added: "I am sure decisions will be made over the summer."

City faces Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon (local time) knowing a defeat at White Hart Lane, and a win for leader Manchester United against Aston Villa on Monday evening (Tuesday morning AEST), would confirm Alex Ferguson's team as champion.

Mancini recently admitted the race was over, but Kidd claims the Italian, inspired by last season's title-winning campaign, secretly believes it is still possible to overhaul United's 13-point lead.

"Let's be honest, the boss has been here just less than four years and he has put silverware on the sideboard and no-one believes that he has really given up on the title," Kidd said.

"It was the same last season. We keep working the same, we keep working hard, he is on the pitch every day. It is all about attaining a standard.

"And like I keep saying, he is not afraid to deal with big players. He can handle big players and he is not afraid of making big decisions.

"It is not over. We're champions so it is not over. As champions you go out with pride.

"If you going to lose it you are going to lose it by getting knocked out, like a great boxer would, not on his stool."

Should City fail in its Premier League title defence, as looks increasingly likely, Kidd is well aware it is no fluke that United has wrestled it from it.

"I've been there and I keep hearing these stories that it is luck," he said.

"It is not luck. It is ingrained in them. They keep going to the end - win, draw or lose.

"The best team doesn't always win the FA cup but over a 38-game season the best team always wins the Premier League."

City will check on the fitness of Argentina forward Sergio Aguero and Spain midfielder David Silva ahead of the clash with Tottenham as both players attempt to recover from hamstring injuries.

Wales winger Gareth Bale appears to be winning his battle to play after picking up an ankle injury against Basel two weeks ago.

"I am pretty confident (Bale will play)," said Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas.

"He's made good progress from the beginning of the week to be training with the team so I think he will definitely up for selection."

England striker Jermain Defoe is also set to be available, after a pelvic problem, but Aaron Lennon is only just returning to training.

Tottenham is looking for a win to maintain its hopes of UEFA Champions League football next season - it is currently fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and five behind third-placed Arsenal, but with two games in hand over Arsene Wenger's side.

Villas-Boas added: "Arsenal have probably the easiest run-in, although they play Manchester United at home.

"We lost some points recently which have put us back into a position we were in before but still everything depends on us because of this game in hand we have against Chelsea.

"But I think it is a great, great spectacle for the Premier League and hopefully we can be there in the fight."

The outstanding Bale could return to action after a fortnight out with an ankle injury as City visits White Hart Lane in the Barclays Premier League.

Prior to suffering his injury in a UEFA Europa League clash against Basel, Wales flyer Bale had been in dazzling form, scoring 13 goals in his last 15 appearances, including internationals.

Yet as Spurs continues to push for UEFA Champions League qualification, Platt knows there is more than one dangerman for City, which is not yet secure in second spot, to concern itself with.

Platt, the first-team coach at the Etihad Stadium, said: "When he did the injury they were saying this might be the game for which he comes back but Tottenham have some very, very good players regardless of whether Gareth Bale plays or not.

"They have very good players who can score goals, players who will take the ball, and White Hart Lane is quite a difficult place to go to."

Manager Roberto Mancini has long been resigned to defeat in the title race and even victory this weekend would only cut Manchester United's lead to 10 points.

But performances in the past fortnight have provided a strong reminder of the class that brought City their glorious league success last year.

They were at their best to beat the runaway leader at Old Trafford and it impressed again as it followed up by seeing off Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Perhaps therefore the drop in intensity for the midweek victory over Wigan was only to be expected.

But that 1-0 win, secured by a brilliant late goal by Carlos Tevez, showed another important quality - that of grinding out a result.

Now the task for City's backroom staff is to rally the players to ensure they finish strongly, secure the runners-up spot and win the cup.

Platt said: "The performance (against Wigan) didn't surprise us in that I knew our energy levels would be low - both (previous) games took a lot out of us.

"It wasn't the kind of performance we have needed - but the kind of result we needed.

"You don't want too many of those performances.

"It wasn't bad - the effort was there all right, but when you do play like that the result becomes the important thing, and one way or another you have to get that result out of it.

"If we had done it another two or three times we would be a lot closer."

City has two injury doubts for the game in forwards David Silva and Sergio Aguero, who both have hamstring problems.

Whelan has transformed the fortunes of the Lancashire outfit since he took control in 1995.

And whilst the Latics are again involved in a relegation scrap, they also have their first FA Cup final to look forward to on 11 May when they take on Manchester City.

Even defeat would see the Latics qualify for Europe provided City do not collapse on the run-in and drop out of the UEFA Champions League places.

But though he is anxious to state his feelings have nothing to do with City, Ferguson hopes Wigan emerges victorious at Wembley.

"I hope Wigan win the cup - and not because it would be at the expense of Manchester City," Ferguson told United Review.

"In Dave Whelan they have an owner who has not only shown great faith in his manager, but someone who invests so much emotionally in his club.

"People like Dave Whelan deserve the kind of reward that a Wembley win would provide."

City has a chance to put a huge dent in Tottenham's UEFA Champions League ambitions on Monday (AEST) when it travels to White Hart Lane.

There it will come up against former City striker Adebayor, who had a tumultuous three-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, rowing with Mancini and fighting with defender Kolo Toure before leaving for Spurs two years ago.

A January training ground row involving Mancini and Mario Balotelli and an on-field spat between Carlos Tevez and the Italian last season suggest emotions in the City camp are still high and Adebayor intends to exploit that.

The former Arsenal striker, who has two goals in his last three matches, admits City's recent win over Manchester United shows it is in good form but he thinks a supposed lack of discipline and a weak away record mean Tottenham has a good chance of pulling off a shock win that it desperately needs.

"We saw them having a tough time at Everton so it's true that they are not strong away," the Spurs striker said.

"They beat Manchester United so their confidence is very high, but we have a great squad and great players.

"If we put them under pressure we have a chance to win for sure because I was there and whenever things are not going their way there will definitely be a fight or an argument on the pitch and that is how we can take them down."

Andre Villas-Boas may drop Adebayor given that Jermain Defoe is expected to return from injury, although Gareth Bale's potential absence means the Portuguese could use both strikers up front.

Villas-Boas knows there is potential for Adebayor's temper to boil over because of the sour ending to his spell in Manchester.

Adebayor clashed with Mancini and was shipped out on loan twice while he was also made to train with the youth team.

The striker has a history of blowing his top against his former clubs.

He was sent off against Arsenal last year and in his first game for City against the Gunners he ran the length of the pitch to goad the visiting fans in a game which also saw the Togolese rake his studs across Robin van Persie's face.

Adebayor insists he bears no ill-feeling towards either Mancini or City, however.

He continued: "I don't have anything to prove to Man City.

"Man City is a sacred club. I have a huge respect for the players because I got players there that I can call family - people like Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Vincent Kompany.

"They are very good friends so for me. It's going to be important for me to prove how good I am, but I don't have any pressure that says I have to beat Man City because of the way they treated me - because they bought me expensively and sold me for cheap.

"We are all human beings. We are all adults. I cannot tell you what happen and what did not happen. For me today I move on, (Mancini) has moved on. He is Man City, I am Tottenham.

"I wish him the best of luck. For me now Mancini is just a manager I respect just like Arsene Wenger, like Harry Redknapp, and that's it."

Rail operator Virgin Trains had warned that the nominated 5.15pm kick-off would make it hard for supporters to return from the Wembley final on their services and fans' groups are known to prefer earlier start times.

But the FA, which moved the final to the later time for last year's showpiece between Chelsea and Liverpool, does not believe it will cause widespread disruption on 11 May.

An FA statement read: "In relation to the information announced for the kick-off time of The FA Cup with Budweiser Final, the FA would like to highlight that 5.15pm is a regular kick-off time in the football calendar.

"This time was agreed with major stakeholders and broadcasters and has been used across the game for a number of years for televised matches.

"In terms of transportation, a small percentage of Cup Final fans use the method of train travel.

"Additional coach services which National Express are running, including directly from Wembley Stadium, mean there are more options for fans returning north after the game.

"The kick-off time is unchanged from last year and this allows more football fans around the country to watch the Cup Final in its entirety."

United twice had to come from behind and Robin van Persie's second leveller should have been ruled out for offside.

Ricardo Vaz Te poked the Hammers into a 16th-minute lead, but Antonio Valencia tapped home the equaliser just after the half-hour mark.

Mohamed Diame restored the host's lead 10 minutes after the break with a superb turn on the left edge of the area and low shot which arrowed into the far corner, but with 13 minutes to go Van Persie knocked home the rebound after Shinji Kagawa's shot came back off both posts.

The Dutchman was ahead of the last defender when Kagawa let fly, though.

The two dropped points might merely delay the inevitable, but Manchester City closed the gap at the top to 13 points with a 1-0 win at home to Wigan Athletic.

Carlos Tevez scored the winner in the 83rd minute to leave the Latics still deep in relegation trouble.

Chelsea boosted its top-four hopes with a 3-0 win at west London rival Fulham, John Terry scoring twice.

David Luiz opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike before Terry scored either side of half-time.

The win moved Chelsea up to third, a point above Arsenal.

The showpiece match on 11 May marks the third refereeing assignment for the 42-year-old at the national stadium.

Marriner took charge of the 2010 Community Shield between Manchester United and Chelsea and was the man in the middle for Cardiff City's defeat to Blackpool in the Championship playoff final earlier the same year.

"It's a great honour to be asked to referee the 2013 FA Cup Final especially as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of The Football Association," said Mariner, who was the fourth official for Manchester City's 1-0 win over Stoke City in the 2011 final.

City striker Sergio Aguero wrote on his official Twitter account: "I've contacted @DavidLuiz_4 and apologized for what happened during the match. It was an impulse reaction that shouldn't have happened."

Luiz responded: "Thank you @aguerosergiokun for a demonstration of character. We get to know great man and athletes this way."

Both of Aguero's boots made contact with the upper part of Luiz's left leg as the two tangled late in City's 2-1 win, which secured a place against Wigan Athletic in next month's final.

The Argentina international will face no action over the challenge after the Football Association confirmed referee Chris Foy had seen at least part of the incident and acted on it during the match, meaning the governing body were unable to deal with it retrospectively.

Luiz suffered no serious harm in the challenge and played on until the end of the match - but in the aftermath did call on his fellow South American to apologise.

Luiz said: "Aguero is a great player but he needs to be honest with himself and say, 'I don't like to do bad tackles'.

"Kids see the game and they want to see the good things and not the bad - I would apologise. Football is beautiful, but sometimes in games people have five seconds like that - I forgive him because I have a good heart. I don't like to beat people.

"Sometimes in a game people have five seconds when they are angry and do things they don't like to do. I think it was that.

"I never saw Aguero do a bad tackle on other players."

Aguero will not face retrospective action over his two-footed challenge on the Chelsea defender in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final victory at Wembley.

With referee Chris Foy having awarded a free-kick at the time of the incident, the Football Association considers the matter to have been dealt with.

Some pundits have said the tackle warranted a red card but the FA does not like to 're-referee' incidents which have been seen by officials.

Platt said: "I wasn't surprised, based on the rules the FA has put in place if the officials have seen it.

"There have been precedents set, and not only have precedents been set, they've actually gone on record and said if that's the case - I wasn't surprised.

"The rules are the rules. We don't make them up, we adhere by them."

City manager Roberto Mancini has felt his team has suffered from some poor decisions this season, most notably when captain Vincent Kompany was sent off against Arsenal in January.

The defender's red card was later overturned on appeal.

Platt has dismissed a suggestion that luck has evened itself out.

He said: "I don't know if it's luck and whether we've had it. What is luck? I am not sure.

"It is a situation that has gone. I am not surprised he has got off. They are the rules, the officials saw it."

The Spanish manager restored goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi for Wembley, having preferred Joel Robles for the previous four matches, and the Oman international will expect to keep his place.

Having started with the same 10 outfield players for five successive unbeaten games Martinez may look to freshen things up slightly, especially with a crucial encounter against West Ham at the weekend.

Provisional squad: Al Habsi, Boyce, Stam, Scharner, Caldwell, Golobart, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Beausejour, McArthur, McCarthy, Gomez, Espinoza, Maloney, Robles, McManaman, Kone, Di Santo, Henriquez.

Aguero played a crucial - and controversial - role as City held off a Chelsea fightback to secure a place in the final of the competition against Wigan Athletic next month.

The Argentinian set up the opening goal for Samir Nasri and headed the second himself as City overcame the London side 2-1 in the semi-final at Wembley.

But he also created negative headlines with a two-footed challenge on David Luiz late in the game, although the Football Association has ruled he will face no further action.

Winning the cup will provide some consolation for City after disappointing campaigns in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League but Aguero thinks it should still be claiming more.

When asked if the season could be viewed a success with cup victory, the 24-year-old said: "In a sense, yes, but in another you have to remember that we have a great team, a strong squad, that is capable of fighting to win more trophies.

"We could have done better. It is a club that has not won a lot in the past and at least if we win one trophy then everything is good for the club.

"We're really happy to be in the final. It was what we wanted from the game.

"We are too many points from (Manchester) United in the league, and this is the only cup that we can win, so we have to take it seriously.

"It's crucial that we try to win something every year, whether that's a cup or the league.

"This year, we cannot win the league, we are too far away, but this is an important cup in England, for the club, and for everyone."

Aguero struck a stunning winner against United in the league last week but had been a doubtful starter at Wembley as City carefully managed his return from a recent knee injury.

But he was lively from the outset and his goal, a looping header from a Gareth Barry cross early in the second half, was reward for his performance.

The downside came with an over-exuberant tackle on Luiz in the closing minutes as City, pegged back after a Demba Ba goal, tried to quell Chelsea's comeback.

Luiz later called on Aguero to apologise but said he would forgive the player.

Referee Chris Foy awarded a free-kick at the time and with the FA confirming part of the incident had been seen by officials and acted upon, there was no scope for retrospective action.

City must now prepare for a Premier League game in midweek against its cup final opponent Wigan.

Manager Roberto Mancini is likely to make changes after the energy-sapping displays put in by a number of his players at the national stadium.

Aguero said: "Sometimes it's better to have played more games, because it gives you greater playing rhythm, but at the same time it means you get more tired, more quickly.

"But it was a very big pitch at Wembley, and we are a team that works very hard and that means we are all very tired.

"But yes, we have a lot of energy. We will all be able to give our all until the season ends, so that we can finish on a high, finishing well in the league and winning the cup."

Aguero, the club's record signing at £38 million ($56.24 million), has considerably enhanced his reputation for scoring vital goals in the past week after his efforts against United and Chelsea.

The man who struck the dramatic title-clinching goal in the final game of last season said: "I try to do the best for the team and give the most I can in every game, that's all.

"Lately, I have scored a few important goals, but all that matters is that the team wins."

City moved within a game of claiming a third major piece of silverware in three years after holding off Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley to book a date with Wigan Athletic in next month's FA Cup final.

That would earn the club considerable consolation after a disappointing title defence in the Barclays Premier League and a failure to make an impression in Europe.

The situation represents a remarkable transformation for an outfit that had gone 35 years without success prior to winning the FA Cup in 2011.

Barry said: "We knew this was the realistic chance of a trophy this year.

"Where the club is now, you don't really want seasons going past without winning a trophy.

"The FA Cup is a massive one. If we can win that, fantastic.

"Wembley is a fantastic place to come and play. The big players, as we have seen over the last few years, when we come to semi-finals and finals, they generally turn up and do the business.

"Hopefully they can continue that until the final."

City was good value for its victory over a jaded Chelsea side after dominating the first hour of the contest, scoring through the impressive pair of Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero.

But a superb hooked reply from Demba Ba just after the hour transformed the atmosphere and forced City to defend resolutely.

Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, again preferred to Joe Hart for this competition, made some brave interventions and City breathed again when Fernando Torres was denied a late penalty for a shirt pull by Vincent Kompany.

When asked if City was hanging on, Barry said: "You probably could use 'hanging on' because the ball kept coming back at us.

"It was a massive effort. We are obviously delighted to get through.

"The second half was a big struggle. We dominated the first half but fair play to Chelsea.

"They have played a lot of games but they didn't tire, they kept going right until the end."

Aguero headed the second goal from a Barry cross early in the second half and was a constant threat to Chelsea along with Nasri, Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure.

It was a highly effective performance from the Argentinian, who had been a doubtful starter prior to the game after a recent knee injury, but he was at the centre of controversy late on.

Aguero caught David Luiz in a two-footed challenge for which he was not even booked, although a free-kick was awarded.

Barry highlighted the positive aspects of the striker's performance, which came after he scored a stunning winner against Manchester United last week.

The 32-year-old said: "It was a fantastic header and he deserved that for his performance.

"He didn't stop running, like the rest of the lads. We really dug in and for 'Kun', it was a fitting goal to win the game."

Defender Pablo Zabaleta was surprised by the manner of his countryman's goal.

The right-back, who has probably been City's best player this season, said: "A great goal from a header! I am surprised to see Sergio scoring with a header but it was a fantastic header and a great cross by Gareth Barry.

"It was an important goal, early in the second half. We were 2-0 and it was good for us to keep the result.

"We know how important the FA Cup is. It is a massive competition and a team like Manchester City want to keep winning a trophy every year."

Zabaleta did not want to pick out many individual performances in what had been a fine all-round effort.

The 28-year-old said: "That is why I always say we have got fantastic players in the team - good names - but we also show a great spirit. We fight for each other.

"When we show that spirit and everyone gives everything for each other Manchester City are a difficult team to beat.

"We showed that and that is why I am really happy."

City's 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley booked a return trip to face neighbours Wigan Athletic on May 11.

Strangely, the Latics also provide City's opposition on Wednesday, when it will attempt to delay United's title celebrations, which could be launched as early as next weekend.

Mancini does not want that to happen. For whilst he has given up any hope of the Blues retaining its crown, he is not ready to hand the trophy over just yet.

"United deserve to win this title but we deserve to fight until the last two or three games," said Mancini.

"Our target at the start of the season was the Premier League and FA Cup.

"We knew the Champions League would be difficult because we had a difficult group.

"We had a chance to win another Premier League if we worked well last summer. But we didn't. We made some mistakes.

"We are frustrated about that but we know we are a good team.

"We want to win the FA Cup final and we have a chance to finish second and show we don't deserve to be 15 points behind."

After 35 years without any silverware of any description, City could claim its third major prize in as many seasons by beating Wigan.

Yet it appears they will do so without calling upon the services of Joe Hart, as back-up keeper Costel Pantilimon is set to keep his place for the final.

"Costel did very well," said Mancini.

"He is a good keeper and he deserves this situation because he has been here for two years and has done very well behind Joe Hart.

"It is a good situation for Joe too.

"We have four weeks to the final but I think it will be (Pantilimon)."

Aguero scored City's winner in its 2-1 Wembley triumph.

But his second-half challenge on Luiz left a sour taste as he jumped on the Chelsea defender's back.

And whilst Luiz did not condemn Aguero, he did claim if the striker had done something wrong, he should be big enough to admit it.

"Aguero's a great player," said Luiz.

"He needs to be honest with himself and say I don't like to do bad tackles.

"People are happy when Aguero scores goals and does good things in the game.

"Many kids see the game, watch the game and they want to see good things and not bad things.

"I didn't see it because I was on my back but I felt it a little bit.

"Sometimes in a game people have five seconds when they are angry and do things they don't like to do. I think it was that.

"I never saw Aguero do a bad tackle on other players. It was five seconds of anger and I forgive him."

It is unlikely the South American will face retrospective action as it occurred within a Luiz challenge.

Coming just 24 hours after the ugly scenes involving fighting Millwall supporters that scarred the other semi-final, it was a vision football could have done without.

However, Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez was more concerned about the penalty his side should have had after Vincent Kompany pulled back substitute Fernando Torres.

"For me, the main one is the penalty not given.

"The consequence could have been a red card and a penalty. It could change the game.

"Yes (they got it wrong). It is something they have to clarify.

"I have seen the pictures. Kompany has the shirt."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said he had not seen the incident, even though it occurred right in front of his dug out.

"I need glasses," he said, sarcastically.

"If I saw I would say I saw.

"I don't know what he did but usually Aguero takes a lot of kicks from the defenders.

"The referee was there. There are six referees. If Sergio did something wrong....."

The Romanian has been a regular in the competition this season and was preferred to Joe Hart for the semi-final win over Chelsea at Wembley.

Mancini has four weeks to decide what to do for the meeting with Wigan Athletic on 11 May.

However, it seems certain Pantilimon will get the nod.

"Costel did very well," said Mancini.

"He is a good keeper and he deserves this situation because he has been here for two years and has done very well behind Joe Hart.

"It is a good situation for Joe too.

"We have for weeks to the final but I think it will be this (Pantilimon)."

Victory over Wigan would extend Mancini's run of seasons with a major trophy to three, after the FA Cup triumph of 2011 and last year's Premier League title success.

However, it will not quite satisfy the Italian, whose side is in its best form of the season but accepts there is no chance of catching Manchester United now.

"Our target at the start of the season was the Premier League and FA Cup," he said.

"We knew the Champions League would be difficult because we had a difficult group.

"We had a chance to win another Premier League if we worked well last summer. But we didn't. We made some mistakes.

"We are frustrated about that. United deserve to win this title but we deserve to fight until the last two or three games.

"We know we are a good team. We want to win the FA Cup final and we have a chance to finish second and show we don't deserve to be 15 points behind. This is our target."

Aguero headed City's winning goal to book an FA Cup final meeting with Wigan Athletic next month.

But the striker also left his mark in another way, jumping on Luiz in a manner that would surely have led to his dismissal had referee Chris Foy seen it properly.

But Benitez was more frustrated at Foy's failure to spot City skipper Vincent Kompany grabbing Fernando Torres in the box, which would have provided the opportunity for Chelsea to level after it had fallen two goals behind.

"I don't like to point at players in this kind of situation," said Benitez of Aguero's second-half tackle.

"For me, the main one is the penalty not given.

"The consequence could have been a red card and a penalty. It could change the game.

"Yes (they got it wrong). It is something they have to clarify.

"I have seen the pictures. Kompany has the shirt."

As City boss Roberto Mancini was adamant Yaya Toure should also have had a spot-kick, the incident involving Aguero was more significant.

It is unlikely the South American will face restrospective action as it occured within a Luiz challenge that meant even the Brazilian wasn't exactly sure what had happened.

"Many people have said to me about this tackle. I didn't see it because I was on my back," he said.

"I felt it a little bit.

"Sometimes in a game people have five seconds when they are angry and do things they don't like to do. I think it was that.

"I never saw Aguero do a bad tackle on other players. It was five seconds of anger and I forgive him."

Coming just 24 hours after the ugly scenes involving fighting Millwall supporters that scarred the other semi-final, it was a vision football could have done without.

"Aguero's a great player," said Luiz.

"He needs to be honest with himself and say I don't like to do bad tackles.

"People are happy when Aguero scores goals and does good things in the game.

"Many kids see the game, watch the game and they want to see good things and not bad things."

Mancini said he had not seen the incident, even though it occured right in front of his dug out.

"I need glasses," he said, sarcastically.

"If I saw I would say I saw.

"I don't know what he did but usually Aguero takes a lot of kicks from the defenders.

"The referee was there. There are six referees. If Sergio did something wrong ... "

Benitez said his challenge now was to keep Chelsea minds focused on the battle to clinch a place in next season's UEFA Champions League, which resumes with a trip to Fulham on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning AEST).

John Terry is likely to return for that one, having spent this game on the bench, prompting Benitez to defend comments made in an interview which suggested the inspirational Chelsea skipper was incapable of featuring in two games a week.

"I am surprised with the headline," he said.

"I tried to say that for some players, to play two games a week is not easy.

"It depends on the condition of each player.

"At this moment, Cahill, Ivanovic and Luiz are doing well, so we have to manage the squad."

City withstood late pressure from the London side to emerge with a 2-1 success at Wembley and book a final date with Wigan Athletic next month.

Goals from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero put a dominant City 2-0 up but a superb reply from Demba Ba just after the hour set up a tense finish.

By holding on City is now a step closer to winning a third major trophy in three seasons.

Kompany said: "It's great. You don't get to play a lot at Wembley and when you win it is historic for us.

"Chelsea are a good team and you can see with the front players they have got you are always liable to concede chances.

"I think our strength is to be organised and to defend and we have been able to absorb it. They are very strong."

City has been dominant throughout its cup run and Ba's goal was the first it had conceded in the competition this season.

Victory over Wigan at the national stadium would earn it handsome consolation after its apparent failure to retain the Premier League crown it won last season.

Kompany said: "It is not a question of salvaging (the season).

"You never know how good your season is until the last game.

"We wanted to get trophies for our fans and bring back trophies to Manchester.

"If we can do it this season then we need to cherish it and we need to be happy about it because it is a big competition.

"You can always improve and we have still got a lot of the season to do that. We shouldn't look back too much now.

"I think anyone that participates in the FA Cup should take it seriously and that is what we have always done, not just today but in the previous rounds as well. It is a great competition.

"Look at today - 90,000 fans here. It is just amazing to be able to go again and try our luck at winning the competition."

Kompany expects the final to be one to savour with Wigan, although in relegation trouble in the Premier League, noted for its attractive and fluent style of play.

The 27-year-old Belgium skipper said: "I think this is a stadium, a pitch, that probably suits Wigan but it suits us as well.

"I expect it to be a good game because they know how to play ball and we do.

"For the fans it is always a bit harder when it is open but I do feel it will be a great game for the neutrals again."

City faces Wigan in a final dress rehearsal at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning AEST) but that match will itself still carry huge significance at both ends of the table.

City, trailing Manchester United by 15 points at the top of the table, is anxious to secure second place while Wigan is in the bottom three.

First-team coach David Platt suggested the semi-final win was merely the latest step on the path to completing its objectives.

Platt said: "Not everybody is delighted - everybody is pleased.

"Whether the last one (semi-final) two years ago, because it was against United, was more of a euphoric feeling I don't know, or whether it is because the players have got more used to winning things and getting finals.

"They are delighted in there, don't get me wrong, but I think everyone shares what the manager thinks and he is already talking about Wednesday evening."

The brilliant South American scored the second-half goal that ended up booking a meeting with Wigan Athletic next month. But he was also fortunate to escape a red card after a nasty challenge on David Luiz.

With Samir Nasri also on target for City, it was enough to repel a spirited Chelsea revival after Demba Ba had pulled one back.

The triumph keeps City manager Roberto Mancini in with a chance of extending his trophy-winning sequence to three seasons, which will answer his critics, who claim this campaign has been one of under-performance for the big-spending Blues.

That Chelsea went out with neither John Terry nor Frank Lampard being asked to make any contribution was the clearest indication yet that Rafael Benitez is presiding over a changing of the guard, even if he will be replaced as well during the northern summer.

Terry and Lampard have been part of all seven Chelsea FA Cup triumphs at this revamped stadium . At least they were on the bench - Ashley Cole did not even make it that far.

Petr Cech may be another survivor from Jose Mourinho's time but the goalkeeper remains an integral figure. And needing a fifth winners' medal to shove David Seaman out his share of being the most successful goalkeeper in the competition's history, Cech had a particular reason to impress.

It certainly seemed like it anyway given the brilliance of his early save to deny Aguero.

The Czech Republic international had set himself to deny Yaya Toure.

That Aguero got his foot to Toure's effort and steered it even closer to the corner just made Cech's plunge to the right more remarkable.

Cech then denied Carlos Tevez as City continued its fast start, with Chelsea hardly in the contest until skipper Vincent Kompany cleared Eden Hazard's mis-hit volley off the line.

That chance came about because Costel Pantilimon flapped at a cross.

With silverware so close, there had been a feeling Mancini would restore Joe Hart to his FA Cup starting line-up.

Clearly, Mancini has plenty of faith in the Romanian, just as the City fans have so much in their manager.

For it was the Italian's name that was sung loudest and longest after Nasri had broken the deadlock.

The sight of Toure powering at any defence is enough to get it quaking.

And Chelsea seemed spooked by the midfielder lumbering towards its box, which meant Aguero was afforded too much space when the short pass came.

He quickly flicked it onto Nasri, whose attempt at a return, resulted in a couple of fortunate rebounds and the perfect opportunity to lash home.

It is only a couple of weeks ago that Mancini said he wanted to punch Nasri for failing to produce top-class performances often enough.

That is was Nasri's first goal since October tells its own story.

But presumably, all is forgiven - for a little while at least.

When Aguero spun away from Branislav Ivanovic and headed home Gareth Barry's cross straight after the restart, all Chelsea hope seemed lost.

Rarely can a substitute have had such an immediate impact as Fernando Torres.

For, as play restarted after his 65th-minute introduction, David Luiz drove a long ball to the edge of City's box, Torres flicked it on and Ba superbly hooked it in.

It ended City's chances of becoming only the fourth team to lift the trophy without conceding a goal and injected Chelsea with some much-needed self-belief.

Pantilimon saved at the feet of Juan Mata, then produced a wonderful stop to deny Ba.

It was spellbinding stuff, which just made Aguero's two-footed lunge at Luiz all the more stupid.

Had Chris Foy seen it, City would have been left with just 10 men.

As he didn't, Aguero was still around for Torres to run his studs down the back of his calf, although in neither instance did any injury result.

It left a sour taste, although as it happened within the general run of play, it is unlikely Aguero will face any retrospective action.

Instead, he will return to this stadium in four weeks' time and aim to add another FA Cup to City's expanding trophy collection.

Mancini has been a serial winner throughout his managerial career in Italy and England, claiming nine major cups or league titles.

The most recent of them was last season's Barclays Premier League title, an achievement which complemented the three Serie A crowns he won in charge of Inter Milan.

In knockout competitions he won the Coppa Italia four times with Fiorentina, Lazio and Inter before claiming the FA Cup as City boss two years ago.

With this season's league title seemingly out of reach, it is the cup that again represents his best chance of winning more silverware, although there is a tough semi-final against Chelsea to negotiate on Monday (AEST).

Mancini said: "I like to win the FA Cup or Premier League - it is important to win.

"In England the FA Cup is an important trophy. We have this chance.

"I don't think it will be easy because Sunday we have a difficult game, and then after the final, but it will be important.

"Every game against Chelsea is difficult. They are a good team in their best moment this season, doing very well and I am happy for (Rafael) Benitez because he is a good manager."

City faces Benitez's Blues at Wembley in a clash between the sides second and third in the Premier League at the start of this week.

It is a fourth visit to the national stadium for City in just over two years after the semi-final and final of 2011 and the Community Shield match of the same year.

Mancini said: "I think to play at Wembley is fantastic. To play a game there for the FA Cup or Community Shield, with all the supporters there it is a magic moment.

"Wembley is a temple of football. If you play for the FA Cup or for another competition it is always a good game."

City has had the edge over Chelsea in this season's contests, drawing at Stamford Bridge and winning at the Etihad Stadium. They were also victorious when they met in this season's Community Shield at Villa Park.

Mancini intends to give playmaker David Silva until the morning of the match to prove his fitness after suffering a hamstring injury in the latter stages of Tuesday's (AEST) win at Manchester United.

Striker Sergio Aguero, who scored a sublime winner after coming off the bench at Old Trafford, will also be assessed as his return from a knee injury is carefully managed.

The absence of either would leave a hole in City's attacking resources but in such instances Mancini would hope others, such as Samir Nasri, would step up to the challenge.

Nasri has been criticised by Mancini this season but the Frenchman's form in recent weeks has noticeably improved and the manager wants that to continue.

He said: "Samir played better in the last two games and it is important he can play like this because he has quality, he has everything.

"In this moment, we don't know if David can play so Samir will be more important."

City is yet to concede in the competition after victories over Watford, Stoke City, Leeds United and Barnsley in previous rounds, in which it has scored a combined 13 goals.

Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has played in all domestic cup games this season and will hope for another chance in place of Joe Hart.

The pair have failed to keep pace with Manchester United in the league, and although Chelsea has also reached the last four in the Europa League, the FA Cup represents City's only realistic chance of ending the season with some silverware.

As an added incentive, the other semi-final features second-tier Millwall and perennial Premier League relegation candidate Wigan Athletic, so whoever emerges victorious on Sunday will be overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez and his City counterpart Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, would each dearly love to end difficult seasons by winning the FA Cup for a second time.

City won 2-0 when the sides last met, at the Etihad Stadium in late February, but Benitez says he has learnt his lessons from that encounter.

"We know it'll be difficult, but it's a semi-final in a massive competition," said the Spaniard, an FA Cup-winner with Liverpool in 2006.

"We know what we did wrong against them in the league and we'll make sure we don't make the same mistakes.

"They're a good team, with a strong squad. They have a manager with experience and they have confidence at the moment. We know we'll have to do our best if we want to progress."

City goes into the game buoyed by its 2-1 victory at derby rival United in the Premier League, although the leader's advantage remains an imposing 12 points.

That inability to remain in United's slipstream has put pressure on Mancini, but his side is still on course to collect a major trophy for the third season in succession.

City's victory over Stoke City in the 2011 FA Cup final ended a 35-year trophy drought and Mancini is looking forward to returning to the scene of that watershed success.

"I think to play at Wembley is fantastic. For all the supporters there is a magic moment," he said.

"Every trophy is important for every team. For us, more so, because we have this chance to go to the final and win the second FA Cup in three years."

Mancini says he will give David Silva until the day of the game to prove his fitness, after the Spanish midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in Monday's win at United.

Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score a memorable winning goal at Old Trafford, and if Silva is ruled out, the wily Argentine could be the man to benefit.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres took his tally for the season to 20 goals with a deft lob in his side's Europa League game away to Rubin Kazan in Moscow.

However, the Spaniard may not hold onto his starting position after Demba Ba was passed fit to play despite sustaining an ankle problem in last weekend's 2-1 win over Sunderland.

England international defenders Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill remain sidelined through injury.

Mancini angered Ferguson by suggesting one of the reasons why United has been able to open up a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League is that its opponents play with fear against it and believe they cannot win.

But United boss Ferguson, whose side can move 15 points clear with a victory at Stoke on Sunday (Monday AEST), pointed to the number of times his team have come from behind to win this season as proof that Mancini is wrong.

"That's absolute nonsense," Ferguson said. "He was maybe looking for a bit of self-sympathy or something like that.

"We all recognise the English game is the most honest in the world and has been for many years.

"At Norwich this season the energy their two wide players expended was phenomenal.

"They ran 100 miles. That's an example of the Premier League. And the Reading game, when it went to 3-2, I thought we were going to lose.

"There are a lot of games I've watched this season, when I've said to myself 'are they trying?' - of course they're trying.

"These teams have 3,000 fans following them away from home. There is no way they could come to Old Trafford and not do their best.

"That also applies itself to Eastlands, Stamford Bridge, the Emirates or Anfield. That is the nature of the English game."

Hodgson has suggested current international breaks are not being treated seriously by some clubs because they use them as an opportunity to rest players.

Hodgson's remarks came after Rio Ferdinand controversially withdrew from the England squad for last month's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

Mancini thinks such scenarios might not occur if players were given some time off during the winter - a frequently recurring topic of debate.

The Italian said: "I think in England you need to have a break in December for the national team because we play a lot of games.

"The moment that they decide to give players one week off in December it will be good for the teams and national team."

Hodgson is also concerned that City and Chelsea are travelling to the United States after their domestic season ends in May to play two friendlies against each other.

Mancini is worried about the workload of his players, many of whom will have to report for international duty on return from America.

He said: "It is incredible. These players don't have the time to recover very well.

"When we finish the championship, we go for one week in New York and after they come back there are some players that play in the Confederations Cup and qualification for World Cup.

"I think that is incredible."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "International football interferes with the clubs' ambitions.

"Friendly games for a start. They have been doing it for the last decade, playing a friendly in the week before the season starts.

"Tell me the sense of that. It doesn't matter what way you look at it. Club managers are always in disagreement with international football, particularly in friendly situations.

"I have no issues at all about the competitive part. The players should always be available for the European Championship and the World Cup.

"But you can't tell me that should apply itself in friendly games."

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez said: "There are too many games in a season. I will not say international or what kind of games. Too many games, though. Reduce the number of games: simple.

"To see a game where you can win 8-0 at international level is not an amazing experience for anyone. You have to have Group A, the top sides of Europe, and then Group B who, if they do well, they can get into Group A. Some teams are not at the level."

Everton manager David Moyes felt clubs were fully justified in taking away players who are left behind during international breaks.

"We wouldn't be sending any international players away, we'd only be sending those not on international duty because we can't do that.

"It doesn't do any harm if managers want to take their players away to the warm weather and train somewhere else.

"Do we keep the players at the training ground every day? We have to keep varying it and keep the players fresh and it is difficult when you have a few players left over in international week.

"That is why, quite often, we give them time off or take them away.

"What is the benefit for anyone going on holiday? I am sure everyone enjoys a break just like the players do.

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp feels Hodgson does not have much of a case to argue when it comes to clubs resting players.

"I don't know what Roy is saying there," he said. "International friendlies are quite often meaningless games.

"Roy's been a club manager and I'm sure when there was a break he was only too pleased to have a day or two's rest to give the players a rest or take them away to train.

"Roy's entitled to his opinion, but most clubs take the chance to get away and have a change of environment."

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has assured Hodgson he will have no problems with him resting players during international breaks.

Hodgson said: "We have only got Steven Taylor, so he hasn't really got to worry about us - and there's no way I am going to be able to rest him.

"He would crawl to the England camp if he could. Rest assured, he hasn't got that problem with me."

England boss Roy Hodgson has expressed his frustration at the fixtures in St Louis and New York as it means any players involved will not return to the UK until May 26, the same day the Three Lions are due to report for friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

Unless a solution is found, it means the Football Association's gesture of arranging friendlies ahead of the official FIFA window to get players on holiday quicker will have backfired because they cannot demand release.

Yet it appears Ferguson and Mancini are united in their belief the matches should not actually be happening.

"I was surprised to see they were playing two games," said Ferguson.

"It can only be because of whatever financial gains they're getting out of it. They're the two richest clubs too. They must need the money.

"I wouldn't do it, I must admit. Players need to get their rest at the end of the season." Which chimes exactly with Mancini's assessment.

"Usually I don't like this because when we finish the season it is finished," said the City boss.

"The players need to go home for one week because afterwards they should go with national team.

"It is not for me. We go to play two games for the club because it is important - but I don't like to go (on tour) after the championship."

City officials have privately suggested all their England players - including Joe Hart and James Milner - will be required for the Chelsea games.

However, Mancini has suggested Hodgson will get the men he wants.

"If he needs a player we don't have a problem," said Mancini.

Ferguson has questioned the whole rationale behind international friendlies today, whilst stating he had no problem releasing players for competitive games.

Yet the Scot's position is not quite so straightforward.

For he has concerns about how younger players come through international tournaments, which could be an issue this summer given new signing Wilfried Zaha is set to be in Stuart Pearce's England squad for the European Under-21 Championships in Israel.

"I always think, with young players, the best chance for them to develop physically is in the summer, when the sun comes out," he said.

"It's an actual fact that the main growth spurts of young people are always in the summer.

"But a lot of these international tournaments, Under-17s and Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-21s, always seem to be in the summer."

Ferguson cites the example of Michael Owen, who at Soccerex this week repeated his belief that many of the injury problems he has experienced in the latter stages of his career stem from the amount of punishment he took at the start.

"I always thought if Michael Owen had got the proper development, he would have been an absolute world-class player," said Ferguson.

"But he had a youth tournament in 1997 in Malaysia for a month.

"We had two players in it and gave them a month off when they came back.

"Michael came back and was in the Liverpool team the next week, then played in the World Cup the following summer.

"You have to develop players physically as well as technically and these tournaments don't always fit."

England international Micah Richards has become the third City player in the past two weeks to be hit with a six-month driving ban after failing to respond to two speeding notices sent by police.

Carlos Tevez and Samir Nasri received similar punishments last week, with Tevez also ordered to carry out 250 hours of community service for driving while his license was suspended and without insurance.

Richards admitted to two counts of failing to provide the identity of who was driving his Ferrari, which was clocked speeding in Manchester in September, although he didn't attend his case at Tameside Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Richards' excuse was that he was having difficulties with his post at the time the speeding notices were sent.

The 32-year-old England international, a £12 million signing from Aston Villa in 2009, will enter the final year of his contract in next season.

Barry has said he would like to extend his stay and even end his career at the Etihad Stadium but his contract situation has led to speculation about his future.

Manager Roberto Mancini is a big admirer of the player and, with fellow midfielder Yaya Toure tied to a new deal just last week, the Italian has suggested Barry could be next.

When asked about Barry at his latest press conference, Mancini said: "I think we have three or four players in this situation.

"We will decide this in the next month but these players are important players for us.

"I am very happy with Gareth because Gareth is a good guy and a serious professional player. He is really serious as a man."

Another player who will only have one year remaining on his contract by the northern summer is striker Carlos Tevez.

Mancini has previously hinted the Argentinian could be offered a one-year extension to his deal.

Tevez, who impressed in Monday's defeat of Manchester United and has scored seven goals in his last seven appearances, is currently training and playing while carrying out community service.

The 29-year-old was ordered to undertake 250 hours of unpaid work after being convicted of driving whilst disqualified earlier this month.

Mancini claims there has not been any issue balancing his responsibilities.

When asked if it could lead to problems, Mancini said: "I don't think so, no."

Mancini also does not anticipate a problem with Tevez travelling to the United States for City's post-season tour.

City has arranged to play two friendlies against Chelsea, in St Louis and New York, when its domestic commitments are over.

Asked if Tevez could travel Mancini, who was speaking to media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against the London side, said: "I don't know this - I think he can go."

Mancini laughed when it was suggested Tevez could brush streets in New York.

He said: "Could be, why not? It is better in New York!"

Mancini will check on the fitness of two other key players ahead of Sunday's (Monday's AEST) game at Wembley.

Playmaker David Silva was rated highly doubtful immediately after suffering a hamstring injury at Old Trafford but has improved since and has not yet been ruled out.

Mancini said: "We will decide, I think, on Sunday morning.

"We don't know if it is possible and if there is a risk he will not play, but if there is not then maybe.

"He is getting better. Yesterday he ran, so I think we have a chance."

Striker Sergio Aguero, who came off the bench to score a superb winner on Monday, is not yet a definite starter as the club manage his return from a knee injury.

The manager said: "I don't think he is fit 100 per cent.

"If he was he would have played the whole game against United.

"But now he is getting better and his knee is okay. It could be that he starts."

The FA Cup represents City's only realistic hope of silverware this season after appearing to fail in the English Premier League.

Despite this week's win over its neighbour, City still trails United by 12 points at the top of the table with just seven games remaining.

Numerous reasons for the disappointment have been put forward and Mancini rues a spell in January and February when the team dropped points to Queens Park Rangers, Liverpool and Southampton.

He said: "I am frustrated for this because we lost some points where if we had paid attention we could have taken important points for the championship.

"But I think we had a difficult moment when (we played) QPR, Liverpool, Southampton - these games, we lost seven points there and the gap was too big.

"I think there are some moments in the season when it is not important if you play well or not - it is important you win. Instead we lost important points."

Hodgson has suggested current international breaks are not being treated seriously by some clubs because they use them as an opportunity to rest players.

Hodgson's remarks came after Rio Ferdinand controversially withdrew from the England squad for last month's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

Mancini thinks such scenarios might not occur if players were given some time off during the winter - a frequently recurring topic of debate.

The Italian said: "I think that in England you need to have a break in December for the national team because we play a lot of games.

"The moment that they decide to give players one week off in December it will be good for the teams and national team."

Hodgson is also concerned that City and Chelsea are travelling to the United States after their domestic season ends in May to play two friendlies against each other.

Mancini is worried about the workload of his players, many of whom will have to report for international duty on return from America.

He said: "It is incredible. These players don't have the time to recover very well.

"When we finish the championship, we go for one week in New York and after they come back there are some players that play in the Confederations Cup and qualification for World Cup.

"I think that is incredible."

The Spaniard limped off with a hamstring injury in the latter stages of the derby win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday (AEST).

Manager Roberto Mancini said after the game it was unlikely the 27-year-old would be fit for the trip to Wembley but there has been improvement since and the World Cup winner has not yet been ruled out.

Mancini said: "We will decide, I think, on Sunday morning.

"We don't know if it is possible and if there is a risk he will not play, but if there is not then maybe, could be.

"He is getting better. Yesterday he ran, so I think we have a chance.

"I don't think he can play 100 per cent but it is important he is very close."

Meanwhile, City defender Micah Richards on Friday became the third player from his club to receive a six-month driving ban this month.

The England international was disqualifed after he failed to respond to two speeding notices sent to his home address.

He admitted to two counts of failing to provide the identity of who was driving his Ferrari 458 Italia car which was clocked at 51mph in a 40mph zone in Manchester in September.

Tameside Magistrates' Court heard the six penalty points took him over the 12-point penalty limit as he already had nine points for three separate driving offences in November 2010, December last year and this January.

Richards, 24, who did not attend, was also ordered to pay a $800 fine, $125 costs and $80 victim surcharge.

The court was told Richards had difficulties with his post at the time the notices were sent out last September and last November because his home in Bowdon, Altrincham, was being renovated and he was staying elsewhere.

Last week, team-mate Carlos Tevez, 29, was disqualifed from driving for six months and told to perform 250 hours of community service after he admitted driving while banned and without insurance.

City midfielder Samir Nasri, 25, also received a six-month ban last week after he admitted to three charges of failing to provide police with the identity of the driver of his car which was clocked speeding over four months in 2011.

City heads into this weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea with speculation persisting about the Italian's future, even though he ended its 35-year trophy drought and followed up by winning the Premier League title last year.

Failure to make progress in the UEFA Champions League for the second season running, allied to an inconsistent league campaign that leaves it trailing leader Manchester United by 12 points despite its win at Old Trafford, has left the City manager vulnerable.

Keegan, Blues boss from 2001 to 2005, cannot understand what the fuss is all about and feels sure Mancini's work would not be being challenged in any other sporting sphere.

"In any other sport it would be ridiculous to question someone who has gone into a football club, won the first trophy in 30-odd years, then won the league in the most exciting season ever," said Keegan, speaking at the Soccerex Conference in Manchester.

"Europe was a disappointment, but Europe was disappointing for Manchester United and Chelsea. You get that.

"You can make stories around them all you want. Is it right? No. Can it happen? Yes.

"But I don't think there should even be a question of anything happening to Mancini."

The other argument against the Italian is last northern summer's transfer policy.

Mancini has taken every opportunity to berate the City hierarchy - namely Brian Marwood - for the failure to land Robin van Persie, whose arrival at Old Trafford was described by Keegan as a masterstroke.

However, Mancini did sanction moves for Maicon, Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair, whose combined impact has been minimal to non-existent.

"The media can say that it hasn't worked because he bought five players and they didn't win the title," said Keegan.

"That looks like they've taken a step backwards but some of those players might be a lot better next season.

"Players get judged purely on the football field but they've got to get their families over here, get settled and, in certain cases, learn the language.

"Mancini will want to make more signings this summer to keep everyone on their toes.

"But (Yaya) Toure has just signed for another four years and he's a key player."

And Keegan is not prepared to write off all last northern summer's purchases because in defender Matija Nastastic, he believes his old club has unearthed a star of the future.

"I really like him," said Keegan. "He has come in and played as if he has been there for ever.

"That Mancini put him in for his debut against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu tells you everything you need to know about him.

"In five or six years time you could see him developing into a Vidic. He could become even bigger than Vidic, who has probably been the best centre-half in this country for the last five or six years.

"The big test will come next season when people have had a good look at him. They will try and find out what he is not good at and where his weaknesses are.

"I haven't seen too many at the moment."

Yet it will not be enough for City to retain the championship, with Keegan conceding that will be heading back to United.

Even at Old Trafford there are question marks, though, chiefly around the contribution of Wayne Rooney. Not that Keegan can understand that either.

"People are saying he has had a hit-and-miss season but how many goals has he got? 16," said Keegan.

"I can remember having great seasons for Liverpool and not getting 16 goals.

"I've seen games this season when he has carried Manchester United but maybe now he doesn't have to do it every week.

"That is maybe United's strength - they are not reliant on one player.

"Manchester United have never been a one-man team. You never win anything like that.

"You need five or six top-class players to win something and Rooney is one of them."

Roberto Mancini's side may be struggling to regain its Premier League title this season, but its use of the social media platform was held up as an example of best practice.

Lewis Wiltshire, head of sport for Twitter UK, told the Soccerex European Forum in Manchester: "Manchester City have really started to innovate on Twitter."

Wiltshire said there were 11 sports teams in the world with more than a million followers, of which nine were football clubs. City has more than 786,000 followers.

"The challenge is how close can the club get to its fans," he said.

City captain Vincent Kompany was described by Wiltshire as one the best examples of a footballer using Twitter.

The defender used his official account - @VincentKompany - to ask for inspirational messages for the team which were displayed on the dressing room wall.

Kompany has more than 730,000 followers on Twitter. There are 10 million active Twitter users in the UK, two million of which are football fans.

The Spain international suffered a hamstring injury in the closing stages of City's derby win over Manchester United.

Manager Roberto Mancini said after the game he thought it unlikely the 27-year-old would be able to play at the weekend but the player has not ruled himself out.

Silva said: "I have to have tests done tomorrow. We will see the results of the tests and we will see whether I can be ready to play on Sunday or not.

"I felt it at the end and I still feeling it now. We will have to wait until tomorrow and see what the tests show. Hopefully I will be able to recover for Sunday.

"It would be a big blow for me. It is a game every player wants to play.

"Let's see what happens tomorrow but if I can't there are always team-mates that can play."

Despite the hard-earned 2-1 win over the Premier League leader at Old Trafford, City's title hopes remain remote.

The champion still trails United by 12 points with just seven games remaining, but the performance underlined the team's enduring quality.

Mancini is convinced City will be good enough to recapture the crown next year and Silva is also a firm believer.

The former Valencia star said: "To achieve it again be we have to follow the line we showed last night.

"Also last year we had that little bit of luck at the right times, this year we haven't.

"We need to stick together to achieve it again but if we follow the line we followed last night we can do it.

"I feel we are growing every year as a club and we can see with the new contracts, we are growing, making a better team every year. I am confident we can win the title again next year."

As the season approaches its end, City has reflected on where the title might have slipped away.

Silva feels City has played well but has never been able to claw back the deficit after losing to a late United goal at the Etihad Stadium last December.

He said: "I feel I have had a good season like all my team-mates - I think the difference has been that goal.

"But we still have the FA Cup and I think we can win that."

The comments under investigation could be heard while Kompany and City midfielder James Milner were being interviewed on Sky Sports after its 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

"Greater Manchester Police has not received a complaint about racist abuse directed towards any players following last night's fixture, however we have now been made aware of this footage by the Manchester Evening News," a police statement read.

"The Force will work with both clubs and review any footage to investigate the incident."

Kompany scored an own goal in the match, cancelling out Milner's opener for City, but a late strike from Sergio Aguero won the match for Roberto Mancini's side.

Press Association Sport understands Manchester United is yet to be contacted about the incident.

And neither City nor Kompany have made a complaint over the obscenity, which it is believed came from outside the tunnel area.

Indeed, as the entire area was sealed off from public view by large metal gates, it seems unlikely that anyone could actually know who was in the tunnel anyway.

City gave a reminder of its champion quality by claiming a deserved 2-1 success in the derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It may have come too late to reignite the title race, with United still leading the table by 12 points with seven games remaining, but Milner does not see reason to give up.

With the FA Cup still to play for, City do not want to slow its momentum in the run-in.

Goalscorer Milner said: "Maybe the title is a bit out of reach now, but that changes nothing to us - whether it is or it isn't. It is still mathematically possible.

"All our concentration is on winning every game from now until the end of the season. Hopefully that will get us at least one trophy."

Milner put City ahead with a deflected strike from the edge of the box ahead after Gareth Barry had robbed Ryan Giggs and fed inside to Samir Nasri early in the second half.

United responded as Phil Jones forced the ball in off Vincent Kompany from a Robin van Persie free-kick but substitute Sergio Aguero settled the contest with a sublime individual effort on 78 minutes.

Milner said: "He is not bad is he? He is so sharp when you get him in around the box, him and Carlos (Tevez) together up front.

"We train with them every day. I was speaking to Joleon (Lescott) who says he loves playing against them in training because he knows when he plays against anyone else in the league it is an easier day.

"He is so sharp around the box. His composure and his finish at the end was superb. It gave us a deserved win."

The manner of City's performance left many to wonder how they had fallen so far behind United prior to the game.

That is certain to be analysed in the months ahead but City at least felt it had made a point, and manager Roberto Mancini is convinced the title can be regained next year.

The Italian said: "The championship is finished but we deserved to win because we played better, we played good football. We didn't take any risk.

"We know that we can win the title next year. This year we did some mistakes but we can do nothing now. The season is gone.

"It is important we continue to win because we have another seven games but it does not change anything for the future.

"We need to continue to play like this for next season.

"We have two or three months where we can work well, where we can improve our team.

"I think we showed here we can't be 15 points behind."

Reports claim the Premier League club will look to make a northern summer move for defender Willems with Guidetti going to Holland.

Guidetti was signed by City as a 16-year-old in April 2008 and has yet to make a senior appearance for the Premier League champion, having been severely affected by a virus suffered towards the end of last season.

However, now recovered and playing with the club's development squad, he is highly regarded and scored 20 goals in 23 games while on loan at Feyenoord last season, and he has already played for Sweden in a friendly against Croatia.

The Swede, though, has no intention of moving to PSV and told Sportwereld AD: "I will never, ever play for PSV.

"In the Netherlands, Feyenoord are the only club I would want to play for.

"Everyone knows that."

Whilst victory would have taken it to the brink of a record 20th league title, a 2-1 loss means it will have to wait at least a couple of weeks for confirmation of its status as Premier League champion.

It was not what Ferguson wanted.

But after watching Sergio Aguero condemn United to its first defeat since November and cut its lead at the top of table to 12 points, the Scot was not that surprised.

"If you look at the history of our club, we always make it difficult for ourselves," said Ferguson.

"We have our supporters hanging on the edge of their seats every year.

"We have a 12-point lead but we won't be taking anything for granted.

"The plus point from today is that we only have seven games left now. As each game goes along you whittle them down.

"We have Stoke on Sunday. The support will be great and we will have a go. We have to kick on now."

Mancini conceded defeat in the title race after falling 15 points behind last month and reducing the arrears with a deserved 2-1 success at Old Trafford did little to change his mind.

Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score a sublime winner as City at least made a point to its neighbour and league leader.

City had led early in the second half through a deflected James Milner strike before Phil Jones forced Vincent Kompany to turn into his own net.

When asked if the result could affect United's confidence ahead of the final seven games, Mancini said: "United? No. The championship is finished.

"But we deserved to win because we played better, we played good football. We didn't take any risk."

For Mancini, the remaining Premier League fixtures are all about securing second place and, with that in mind, Mancini was especially pleased with the win.

The Italian said: "This is important for us because we can get second position.

"Maybe we have one game in hand and if we win the game against Wigan we go 10 points in front of Tottenham.

"After that maybe we don't have a problem.

"This is for our supporters because they deserve this victory. After being 15 points behind it was important for them."

Of some concern for City was the loss of playmaker David Silva in the closing stages of the game with a hamstring injury.

The Spaniard now looks doubtful for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Mancini said: "Maybe it is not so bad but I don't think he will be ready for Chelsea."

The man whose goal won the Premier League for Manchester City last season struck 11 minutes from time to give the Blues back-to-back derby wins at Old Trafford for the first time in 41 years.

United's first defeat since November also ended its 18-match unbeaten run and cut the lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points.

With only seven games remaining, it will almost certainly do nothing more than delay an inevitable switch of power back from the blue half of the city to red.

However, after James Milner's second-half opener had been cancelled out by a Vincent Kompany own goal, it at least gives credence to Roberto Mancini's claim that United is not quite deserving of its massive advantage.

Of all games, this was an odd one to be attended by supporters wearing half-and-half scarves.

Such is the antipathy between the two teams it is hard to imagine anyone having a soft spot for both, or at least not one they were prepared to admit publicly on an occasion such as this.

Yet, for all the predictable hype surrounding the fixture, this was a return to the pre-Sheikh Mansour days when city bragging rights were the only trophy at stake.

Not even Roberto Mancini truly believed United's 15-point lead could be overhauled even if his side won, so, as Vincent Kompany said last week, the prize was unofficial champion of Manchester.

And City was the quicker to settle, exploiting an open approach from the host which, including Ryan Giggs, had five forwards in the starting line-up.

James Milner and Samir Nasri both had opportunities to be the first player to beat David de Gea in seven Premier League games, but City's best opportunity was denied them by a tremendous intervention from Phil Jones.

Labelled 'an animal' by Sir Alex Ferguson in his club's official magazine, Jones has struggled for form this season, which has been badly interrupted by a series of injuries.

He owed his chance to the absences of Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans.

And Ferguson had caused to be thankful as Nasri peeled onto Rafael, the latest attempt to isolate a United full-back, and nodded Kompany's long pass down for Carlos Tevez.

The one-time darling of the Old Trafford faithful was just about to pull the trigger when in nipped Jones to make a magnificent clearance.

In response, United created little of note.

On his return from a groin strain, Wayne Rooney had a moan when Danny Welbeck failed to spot his run after embarking on a blistering burst from midfield.

Robin van Persie also skied an attempt to break his nine-match scoring drought.

But it was not until the dregs of that opening half, when Rafael ran onto Van Persie's flick and lifted the ball onto the angle of post and bar that United properly threatened.

And within five minutes of the restart it fell behind.

Giggs must shoulder the burden of responsibility for an ill-advised backheel that gifted possession to Gareth Barry deep inside United territory.

The visitor's rapid response allowed it to tee up Milner, whose low drive flicked off Jones and flew into the bottom corner.

United pride demanded a quick response. And it got exactly that as Van Persie fizzed a free-kick to the far post.

As Joe Hart failed to make any connection, Jones got his head to the ball, although it was not directed goalwards. It had to strike Kompany on the back to divert it in.

Yet City was the one which responded more positively.

And after Nasri had fired over Aguero put it back in front.

It was eerily similar to his decisive goal last May too as the Argentina star ghosted past Jones and Rio Ferdinand before firing into the roof of De Gea's net.

In the fractious latter stages, Gareth Barry was booked for starting a skirmish, Pablo Zabaleta's yellow-card challenge forced Ashley Young off and both Rafael and Antonio Valencia were cautioned for felling Barry.

It all felt slightly hollow though as City's fans sang about being the "pride of Manchester" whilst knowing their title is almost gone.

Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and David Beckham were amongst the players who left Anfield on the day United conceded the title to Leeds United in 1992 to be confronted by Liverpool fans demanding their autographs.

When they obliged, they were immediately ripped up in their faces.

Ferguson told them never to forget, just as he told his players to keep the memory burning brightly as Sunderland rejoiced in their misery last May.

So, when Manchester City arrive at Old Trafford on Monday night (Tuesday morning AEST) to stall a championship party and put doubt in United minds, Ferguson expects his players to have more than enough motivation to cope.

"Any United player being involved in that game last year would have to feel it," said Ferguson.

"We have had experience like that before against Liverpool when Giggs, Scholes and Beckham were signing autographs for their fans, who immediately tore them up in front of them.

"Those things stick in your mind.

"The way we lost it definitely resonates with a lot of people in the club.

"The only way you can get over that kind of thing is to be better.

"There was a definite purpose about them in terms of getting the title back, particularly to take it back off City."

This evening's contest also marks City's first Old Trafford visit since their astonishing 6-1 win last season.

The magnitude of the scoreline ended up providing the goal difference advantage that won them the Premier League title.

It also created a stain on Ferguson's momentous 26 years with United that will never be completely erased as City rampaged through three times in stoppage time to condemn its hosts to its heaviest home defeat since 1955.

At the time, Ferguson called it his "worst ever day". He still regards his side's gung-ho tactics as akin to committing "suicide".

But he has never watched it since. And the chances are he never well.

"No. Why would I?" he said.

"I am not into self-flagellation.

"It happened. We threw it away. We committed suicide.

"We were the better team until they scored right on half-time. Then we had a man sent off just after half-time and we still kept chasing the game.

"That was us playing with the history books instead of their brains. It will be different this time."

United has responded to its narrow loss in the battle for the Barclays Premier League crown last year by dominating the current campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson's United men almost have both hands on the trophy as it heads into Monday night's (Tuesday morning AEST) derby against City at Old Trafford with a 15-point lead over its neighbours at the top.

City manager Mancini now wants to make sure the Eastlands club make the right moves over the summer to ensure it is his team that once again lead the way next term.

The Italian said: "Last year United didn't win anything - Community Shield yes - but they continue to improve their team.

"This can happen, you can't win every year. This is impossible in England.

"For this, I think we need to do better next year."

Mancini failed to land all his prime transfer targets last summer, but with new administration at the club he is confident of doing better this time around.

City did strike one important blow last week when the inspirational Yaya Toure, after speculation he could leave, signed a new four-year contract and spoke of his confidence in the club's future.

Mancini said: "This is important for the club, it is important that they sign new contracts.

"We know that we should buy important players for next year if we want to improve.

"In football you can buy good players and afterwards you don't win - this is football, it is incredible.

"But I am sure we can do well this year, we can do a good job in the market."

Ferguson's success over the past two decades has owed much to his ability to continually refresh his side.

Having only emerged from a 35-year run without a major trophy in 2011, City is still to get to grips with this process.

Mancini said: "I think we need to improve as a team, as a club, but for this we need more years.

"We can't do this in two years. For 10 years, if we improve, if we win every year, probably it will be the same also for us."

Mancini is likely to want to strengthen his squad in a number of areas but is giving little away as to his intentions now.

He said: "I don't know, it is difficult to say this.

"You may want one player, but maybe two or three teams want the same player and after you can take this or take another player. It is difficult."

The title race may be all but over, but City still want to make a point on Monday night to prove the gap between them and United is not as large as the table suggests.

Mancini said: "I think we know we can beat them because they are not better than us.

"This is sure, 100 per cent - although they deserve to win this title."

Mancini feels there is an aura about United, built up over two decades of success, that gives it a firm advantage going into games.

City may have won the Premier League last season but Mancini accepts it is still way short of possessing such a sheen, and its seemingly doomed title defence proves it.

The champion trails United by 15 points heading into the latest derby at Old Trafford.

Mancini said: "No one plays well against United because they only play with fear.

"Every team that plays against United plays very soft because they think this game is difficult, they can't beat them.

"It is not true - if you play strong against United you can beat them, like they can beat us.

"But this is normal, this is football, this is because United have been a strong team for a long time.

"For the other teams they play against, it is difficult.

"We are young as a team and we don't have the same importance like United in this moment.

"Maybe in 10 years, it will be the same. The history is very important."

The title started to drift away from City when it was beaten by United at the Etihad Stadium in December.

Victory would have taken it level with United at the top but the 3-2 loss left it trailing by six points and it has been unable to get within striking range since.

United's form has been relentless and with each City slip the Red Devils have pulled away to reach their present near-unassailable position.

Maybe United might have made more mistakes had City remained closer and been able to apply more pressure.

In that sense, Robin van Persie's late winner at Eastlands, when Samir Nasri ducked in a defensive wall, may well have been critical, making the difference between a three and six-point gap at the time.

But Mancini things it is wrong to pinpoint that one incident as the moment when the crown slipped.

He said: "That goal was important for them and for us but after that game we lost another two or three games, or we drew some games we deserved to win.

"We lost a lot of points when also they didn't play very well every game.

"But they have a good mentality for a lot of games. They have won 15 or 16 of the last 18, 19 games.

"If one team does that, I think they deserve (the title)."

Mancini conceded the title to United after a damaging 2-0 loss to Everton last month.

Its aims now are to finish second and win the FA Cup, as well as landing a psychological blow at Old Trafford.

Thoughts will soon turn to next season but Mancini continues to look at why it went wrong in the league, and he remains in no doubt thing started to fall away last northern summer.

City failed to land any of Mancini's prime transfer targets, most notably Van Persie, whose presence in the United side has been the major factor in its success.

City was also linked with other high-profile players such as Daniele De Rossi and Eden Hazard.

Had he landed them, Mancini is convinced City would not only be on course to retaining the title by now, but also still in the UEFA Champions League.

He said: "Yes, sure - 100 per cent. Probably on the top and could win the second title and probably we would be in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"We had a chance to get three or four players who could have improved our team but we didn't in the end.

"But now it is finished."

Even without those players, Mancini maintains United's current lead exaggerates the difference between the two sides.

He may not be expecting a repeat of last season's 6-1 win, but he is convinced his team can prove it on its neighbour's home patch.

He said: "6-1 is in the history. We can talk about this for another 200 years but it is impossible to do this result another time.

"But I think we know we can beat them because they are not better than us. This is sure, 100 per cent - although they deserve to win this title."

But instead the Italian must focus on prolonging the normally prolific striker's uncharacteristic barren spell as City aims to make a point in the eagerly-anticipated Old Trafford clash.

Mancini openly admits Van Persie was his prime transfer target last northern summer but he lost out to United in the battle for the then Arsenal star's signature.

Mancini has since described the 29-year-old as the main difference between the sides and, by implication, the chief reason why United has reasserted itself after being beaten to the title by City last year.

Van Persie has not scored in his last nine United appearances but the damage has already been done with his 19 Premier League goals helping propel his club into a near-impregnable 15-point lead.

Mancini said: "We hope it will be 10 games. I don't know (the reason for the scoreless run), he is a top player. He can score in every moment in every game.

"This can happen to every striker, you can score every game for 20 games then after that for five, six, seven games you don't score."

Van Persie is not completely out of sorts with his deflected strike seeing off Sunderland last week while he was also on target three times for Netherlands last month.

His remarkable output since his move from Arsenal - 23 goals in his first 31 United appearances - has highlighted City's own weaknesses in front of goal.

City has found the net 55 times in its 30 league games, 17 fewer than at the same stage last season and 15 less than United's current total.

Sergio Aguero bagged 30 in all competitions alone last season but this time has struck just 13 times in an injury-hit campaign. Carlos Tevez is the top scorer with 16 but, after a bright start, he endured a quiet patch before hitting his latest hot streak of seven in six games.

Mario Balotelli, who scored 17 last term, managed just three before being sold in January while Edin Dzeko has also weighed in with 13.

Mancini said: "The difference is that we have scored 20 goals less than last year - only this difference.

"The goals we have conceded are the same - we have the best defence.

"We are missing only these goals but we have had a lot of injuries. We lost Sergio, we lost Mario.

"This is probably the difference, the goals we didn't score."

With the title seemingly out of reach, City is focusing on securing second place and claiming a second FA Cup triumph in three years.

Aside from last season, City has not finished as high as second in the top division since 1977.

It goes into the game buoyed by a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United last weekend, when it seemed the pressure of the title chase had been lifted.

Mancini said: "I think we did a good performance against Newcastle, we played very well.

"It was not easy because Newcastle are a good team, they have good players. I think we did really well.

"I don't know if we will play like this against United, the derby is a different game.

"But we want to get second place. We want to go there to try to win."

City is close to having a clean bill of health with right-backs Micah Richards and Maicon, who have both been sidelined with knee problems, the only players definitely ruled out.

It remains to be seen whether midfielder Jack Rodwell, out with the latest in a long line of hamstring injuries for the past month, is fit to return.

City travels to Old Trafford trailing United by 15 points at the top of the Barclays Premier League and, with just eight games remaining, Mancini has conceded defeat in the title race.

But he is convinced the sizeable gap is not a true reflection of the difference between the sides and he wants City to show that on the field.

The Italian said: "To play there is difficult - the stadium is big, their supporters, their team is strong.

"But there is not a big difference between us and them. If it is not important for the table or the title race, I think the derby is always a derby. It is important for us and for them.

"We want to show we don't deserve to stay 15 points behind and we can reduce the gap from now to the end. But the title race is finished."

With the FA Cup now City's only realistic hope of silverware, it would be understandable if priority was given to next week's semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

But that is clearly not City's mentality, with Mancini's words backed up by those of a number of players this week.

After so many years of living in United's shadow prior to their 2008 takeover, City are determined to make a statement to the neighbours.

Striker Edin Dzeko said: "It's a very important game even if we are 15 points behind because the derby is always the derby.

"It's the best league game of the season and we will do our best to try and win there.

"To win the derby always means a lot - for us and for our fans it is very important."

Dzeko scored twice when City made one of the most emphatic statements of its recently-elevated status among the country's elite by thrashing United 6-1 in October 2011.

That was City's last visit to Old Trafford and the match will long be remembered in the blue half of the city but nobody is seriously expecting a repeat this time.

"This is impossible," Mancini said. "This can happen every 100 years."

City is close to a clean bill of health for the game with only right-backs Micah Richards and Maicon, who have both been sidelined with knee injuries, definitely ruled out of contention by Mancini.

United heads into the Old Trafford clash 15 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with just eight games remaining.

Even if Roberto Mancini's men prevail, it may only be a stay of execution before defending champion City have to hand the trophy back to its fierce local rival.

And although Ferguson has no intention of offering even that crumb of comfort, he understands where the Blues are coming from.

"It'll be a big game for City - they'll want to come and derail us for a spell," said the United boss.

"I can understand their motivation - we'd probably have the same thing.

"There will still be a great intensity about the game. It's the only game and it will be shown all over the world.

"That does seep into the fabric of what the game will be like for both teams. You can't dismiss that."

The problem for United is one of perception.

With its Champions League and FA Cup campaigns over, it has only the league to play for, and that seems to have been secured for some considerable time.

The campaign is therefore in danger of turning into a damp squib, a rather extraordinary situation for a team who could yet set Premier League records for number of points and biggest winning margin.

Not even the likely return of Wayne Rooney from a groin injury makes much difference.

There is the growing debate over Robin van Persie's lack of goals though, given the previously prolific Dutchman has now gone nine games since he last found the net, the longest barren spell he has endured since joining Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004.

Even thoughts of a goal at Sunderland last weekend have now been dismissed, the winner at the Stadium of Light being officially credited as a Titus Bramble own goal.

As a former striker himself, Ferguson is uniquely placed to offer advice in times of such strife.

And while he retains a firm belief Van Persie will turn his present situation around, he always remembers the wise words his dad came out with.

"My dad always used to say 'make sure you batter the ball, don't tap it or try and side-foot it into the net'," said Ferguson.

"That's what I always tell strikers too. If the goalkeeper saves it, you can say what a great save. But if you try to side-foot it and the keeper catches it easily you get criticised.

"The goals will come. All strikers have little dry spells. You have to get through that period and not lose your faith and belief in yourself."

Toure, who turns 30 in May, pledged his future to the Premier League side with the new long-term deal.

"This is where I want to be," Toure told the club's official website.

"When I first arrived at City, every time I went to sleep I would dream about us winning something.

"Now it is about us being the best team in whatever competition we take part in."

Toure joined City from Barcelona in July 2010 on a five-year deal which saw him link up with his older brother Kolo, who joined the club from Arsenal the previous year.

The midfielder, who has won the UEFA Champions League, two La Liga titles, a Premier League trophy, the FA Cup and Copa Del Rey during his career, revealed his decision to stay at City rests on his desire to claim more silverware.

"I want to continue winning titles and trophies and continue to make history," Toure said.

"I have enjoyed all of my time here and can't wait for the next chapter. This is an incredible club to be part of with fans that support a team to the end, whatever the circumstances.

"I will never forget how I have been treated here by the fans, the club and the owners and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to finish my career as a Manchester City player.

"Of course now it looks likely that we will not successfully defend the Premier League title and that is sad for all of us, but we can still finish second and win the FA Cup for a second time in three years and that is still an achievement for a club that won nothing for a long time.

"We must try to finish on a high note and then start preparing to win more next season. Football is always a challenge and always a puzzle to solve and that is why we all love the game.

"You have to use your skill, intelligence and strength to constantly improve and that is what we at City intend to do."

Tevez, 29, was told he is a role model to millions but nobody is above the law after the footballer admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance when he appeared at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court in Cheshire.

The £200,000 ($288,859)-a-week Argentina international was caught by police, after an anonymous tip-off, leaving a Cheshire golf club behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne while serving a road ban on 7 March.

Passing sentence, chair of the bench Elizabeth Depares told the defendant: "Mr Tevez, you must realise you are a role model to thousands, if not millions, of fans but nobody is above the law. You should not have been driving.

"We have heard that you are sorry and it is now up to you to ensure you will not be brought back to court again."

Tevez listened to proceedings from the dock with the aid of an interpreter, translating into his native Spanish.

Ms Depares said that for driving whilst disqualified Tevez must do the 250 hours community service within the next 12 months and he would be banned from the road for six months, starting from Wednesday.

For having no insurance he was fined £1,000 ($1,445) and ordered to pay £85 ($122.81) court costs and a victim surcharge of £60 ($86.69).

The court heard Tevez had suffered a 'frightening' experience and a 'salutary lesson' after being taken into custody and arrested by police.

Earlier JPs had adjourned the case while Tevez spoke to a probation officer about his offence and sentencing options.

After the discussion, Mike Boliver, the Probation Service officer, told the bench Tevez had no previous convictions so rehabilitation was not appropriate and neither was a curfew order because of the travel involved with his job.

Mr Boliver added: "He was very clear when talking to me this has been a very salutary lesson. I think the seriousness and significance of this type of offence, I think the likelihood of this happening again is very, very slim.

"Mr Tevez would welcome a chance to put something back into the community. Clearly, he is fit for unpaid work."

Gwyn Lewis, defending, added: "I echo what's been said, that's been my experience too, that the whole experience from his being arrested, to being in the police station, to being in court.

"This is of course all completely alien to him and very frightening."

City will play the London side in a match at the home of St Louis Cardinals, Busch Stadium, on 23 May.

The stadium has a capacity of 46,861 and is now guaranteed one of the largest crowds in its history.

City's chief commercial and operating officer said Tom Glick said: "We believe in US soccer and we know how much passion the fans in North America have for the beautiful game.

"The club is committed to giving fans across the world the opportunity to get close to Manchester City FC."

Vicki Bryant, vice-president of event services and merchandising for Cardinals, said: "This event is the hottest ticket in St Louis. It is like a ticket to game seven of the World Series!"

City's end-of-season trip will allow it to further boost its profile in the US after previous visits in 2010 and 2011.

Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez suggested he is prepared to lead the Blues in the fixture, even though his short-term deal expires in May.

The Spaniard, who succeeded UEFA Champions League-winning boss Roberto Di Matteo in November, insisted his focus is on Thursday evening's (Friday morning AEDT) UEFA Europa League quarter-final, first leg with Russian side Rubin Kazan.

"It's not an issue when we're playing Rubin Kazan tomorrow," Benitez said.

"I have a contract until the end of season, I don't have any problem with that.

"I have a contract, I'm really pleased with the contract.

"I try to concentrate on Rubin Kazan tomorrow, not think about the summer."

The 29-year-old entered his guilty plea in his native Spanish with the aid of an interpreter as he stood in the dock at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court.

Magistrates heard that the Argentine, who gave his full name as Carlos Alberto Tevez, has not yet got a UK driving licence, partly because he has struggled to pass the theory test, which is conducted in English.

Tevez pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance after being stopped as he left a golf club in a Porsche Cayenne on the afternoon of 7 March this year after an anonymous tip-off to police.

He received a six-month driving ban at Manchester Magistrates' Court in January after pleading guilty to two counts of failing to furnish information relating to incidents in which his Hummer vehicle was clocked speeding.