Roberto Mancini saved himself from the sack after Manchester City defeated Manchester United to reach the FA Cup final.

The Italian's future was in the balance after a season of fights, feuds and flare-ups at Eastlands.

And Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was tipped to take over in the summer.

But the win over United has changed that - for now.

Mancini is a hero after guiding the Blues to their first final in 30 years.

And they're hot favourites to end their miserable run of 35 years without a trophy when they take on Stoke City in the final back at Wembley next month.

A City insider said: "The only danger to Mancini now is a Wembley flop or if he fails to finish in the top four - but nobody's expecting that.

"The place is buzzing and there's a real belief that this is the start of something special at the club."