Stoke City will be tougher opponents in FA Cup final than Manchester United – Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

Roberto Mancini – Manchester City (Getty Images)

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that facing Stoke City in the FA Cup final on Saturday will prove a tougher proposition than taking on Manchester United.

City beat local rivals United at the semi-final stage of the competition courtesy of Yaya Toure’s winner and Mancini admits that his team would be foolish to underestimate the Potters.

“Saturday will be harder than United,” the former Inter boss said.

“Stoke are a strong team and a very difficult team. To think they are an easy team would be a mistake.

“If we want to win we need to play very well. We should pay attention in every situation. We cannot concede anything.

“We have achieved one piece of history by going into the Champions League, now it is time we won a title.”

When asked about possible summer transfer activity, the Italian spoke of more potential big-name signings arriving now that City have qualified for the Champions League.

“This year we will play in the Champions League so it will probably be different,” he added.

“Now, maybe it will be easier to take good players because all the good players want to play in the Champions League.”

Manchester City and Stoke City go at it Saturday at Wembley Stadium with the FA Cup trophy up for grabs.