Manchester United v Sunderland: Gus Poyet promises Sunderland will make life difficult in Capital One Cup semi-final second leg clash

The Black Cats lead 2-1 from the first leg

Gus Poyet gestures during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Southampton (Getty Images)

Gus Poyet has warned Manchester United that Sunderland are in no mood to do them any favours as they attempt to book a first trip to the final of a major competition at Wembley since 1992.

Sunderland head for Old Trafford holding a 2-1 first-leg lead in their Capital One Cup semi-final, knowing a draw will be good enough to progress.

Poyet's side will put their Premier League struggles to one side for the evening – they remain in a relegation battle despite their recent improvement – as they set about the task of adding to the storm clouds hanging over David Moyes, with United's defence of their title all but over, the FA Cup gone and Champions League glory looking a remote possibility.

Asked if the game is a must-win affair for United, Poyet said: "Yes, it could be. It's a possibility to win a trophy, it's a possibility of winning a trophy by beating their biggest rivals [City]. It's an important game for Manchester United, I am sure. They need to make sure that they get in there as well.

"Now, we are not going to go there feeling sorry or whatever, we are going to go there to do our job and play the game, make it difficult for them, make sure we are a difficult team to play against, that we go with the mentality to win and score goals, and then we will see.

"They are very, very good – they are Manchester United. That's no problem, we need to make sure we are good ourselves."

Poyet will have new signings Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari among his squad for the first time.

Capital One Cup semi-final team news

Wayne Rooney (groin) and Robin van Persie (thigh) face late fitness tests for Manchester United ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup semi-final second leg but are unlikely to be risked. Nemanja Vidic is suspended after losing his appeal against his red card at Chelsea on Sunday, with Chris Smalling or Phil Jones likely to replace him in defence.

Sunderland include Argentina internationals Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari in their squad, while Steven Fletcher returned from an Achilles injury in Saturday's draw with Southampton. Carlos Cuellar (hip) and Keiren Westwood (shoulder) remain out.

Kick-off 7.45pm.

Television Sky Sports 1.

Referee L Mason (Bolton).

First leg Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United.

PA