Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims Manchester City’s financial muscle will have no bearing on Wednesday’s Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Old Trafford (United 8/13, City 9/2, draw 11/4 90 Minutes).

The two sides meet for a place in next month’s final against Aston Villa at Wembley (United 10/11, City 4/5 Carling Cup To Qualify) with City leading 2-1 from last week’s first leg at Eastlands.

And, despite City’s owners funding a £120million spending spree to bolster their ranks last summer being followed by more recent reports claiming United are currently working with debts of over £700million, Ferguson insists that will not affect the outcome of the game as the clubs go for Carling Cup (United 2/1 Outright) glory.

“This has nothing to do with anything other than it is a local derby and it is a semi final.” said Ferguson.

“It doesn’t matter if they had no money or little money. It is a route to the final and it is going to be a different game.

“I am certain the atmosphere will be fantastic.”

Ferguson must decide whether to appeal against Rio Ferdinand’s violent conduct charge for hitting out at Hull’s Craig Fagan on Saturday ahead of the game.

If they do appeal Ferdinand will be able to play against City but could have a three-match suspension extended to four if the Football Association deem that appeal to be frivolous.

That would keep the influential defender out of United’s next four Premier League matches and possibly hamper their bid for a fourth successive title (13/5 Premier League Outright).