Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was the happier man at the end of his side's 3-2 FA Cup loss to Manchester United, insisting that City's response to losing Vincent Kompany to a red card showed they have what it takes to go on to win the Premier League title: ''This evening is important for the league,'' Mancini said. ''Now I think we can win the league because of the character we showed. United is a top squad in England.

33340 - What They Said: We proved we will win league - Mancini

"At Old Trafford, with 10 men for 40 minutes, they lost 6-1. Today we played for 80 minutes with 10 players, scored two goals and didn't concede any chances. It was a fantastic performance. If we have the same attitude and same strength every game, we will win the league.''

Mancini also confirmed that he will appeal Kompany's red card, which was handed out for a two-footed lunge in the first half.

Sir Alex Ferguson was not happy with the way his team threw away a 3-0 lead to be left hanging on for victory at the Etihad Stadium, but he is delighted to have Paul Scholes back in his squad: ''The last few weeks, Paul has been training very hard with the reserves and doing a lot of work in the gym,'' Ferguson said. ''He came to see me and said 'I regret retiring'.

''There are no negatives for me. The players have been delighted. I am delighted. The fans are delighted. The last few weeks he has been stepping up his training and been taking part in our training sessions during the week. It is a terrific addition to our squad at a very important part of our season.''

Ferguson was quizzed on reports that Wayne Rooney would leave during the January window, and the United boss quickly made it clear that the England man is going nowhere.

Chelsea assistant boss Roberto Di Matteo is not sure when a deal to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill will be completed, following the Blues' 4-0 win at home to Portsmouth: "I don't know," Di Matteo told reporters. I'm not in the loop there. I know it's still ongoing but I'm not sure when it is going to happen."