Fergie hungry for more silverware

ARSENE WENGER may have described it as a “non-trophy” but Alex Ferguson insists the Carling Cup is a pot worth winning.

Not even the knowledge Sunday’s encounter with Aston Villa at Wembley will lack the raw emotion and drama of those two memorable semi-final confrontations with Manchester City last month can shake Ferguson’s determination to add another trophy to his incredible Manchester United CV.

So, while Wenger disputes the notion a Carling Cup win would represent the end of his Arsenal trophy drought, it is a stance Ferguson does not share.

“Wembley is an occasion. It has always been that way,” said Ferguson.

“But the only way you can enjoy Wembley is by winning. We have got an opportunity to win something. It is not a nice day when you lose.”

Although United will start Sunday’s final as favourites, their build-up has not exactly been trouble free, with both Rio Ferdinand and Anderson ruled out through injury.

Ferguson confirmed Ferdinand would be missing on Tuesday, after the new England skipper suffered a twinge in his back that meant him missing the Premier League victory against old club West Ham.

The United boss hopes to have Ferdinand back in a couple of weeks.

For Anderson, who hobbled out of United’s Carrington training base on crutches yesterday, the absence will be far longer after scans revealed he suffered a ruptured cruciate knee ligament as he stretched to make a pass during the first-half of the Hammers’ clash.

“We have assessed the situation and know he needs the operation,’’ Ferguson said.

“That will be done in two weeks’ time in Portugal once the swelling has gone down. He will be out for six months and hopefully that should have him about right for the new season.”