Derby Final For Manchester Giants?

22 February 2012

Both Manchester clubs are in Europa League action this week, and look likely to secure progression to the last-16.

City take their 2-1 first-leg lead against defending Portuguese and Europa League champions Porto the Etihad tonight, and should grind out a positive result.

United are at home in similar conditions to Ajax on Thursday, with two away goals giving them a healthy foot up.

The English neighbours have been kept apart by the draw, and the intriguing prospect of a Europa League final between them palpably exists.

City star Samir Nasri would dearly love to go all the way to the final and meet United there. But with Porto sure to put up a clawing fight in an attempt to keep their title, the Frenchman does not want to get ahead of himself.

"It would be a good derby in the final but we are not there. We have the game against Porto first and then after we will see,” Nasri said.

"United are a contender, for sure, but there is not just Manchester City or Manchester United, there are plenty of teams."

City manager Roberto Mancini is singing from the same hymn sheet.

It has been suggested that City will only have half their focus on the Europa League, with their ambitions primarily directed towards retaining their lead at the top of the EPL table.

But Mancini is adamant the club is gunning for Europa glory too.

"If we win the Europa League, it will be an important moment for the club. But I don't think it will be easy,” he said.

"In this competition there are top squads but we want to go to the final. It is an important target for us."