HAVING only tasted victory once in their past seven Premier League matches, Sydney United will be out to prove they are the real deal when they face Manly United in the elimination semi final at Cromer Park on Friday night.

After a good start to the season that saw the boys from Edensor Park reach equal second position after 16 rounds, the Reds have stumbled to finish in fifth.

But speak to anyone in the sporting realm and they will tell you that semi-final football is a whole new ball game.

United's Milan Bosnar is aware of his side's recent form slump, but is confident they can turn things around on Friday.

``Two years ago we finished fourth and went on to win the championship, so past results don't matter anymore,'' Bosnar said.

There will be no love lost between the two sides, especially after the round 21 clash that saw three United players sent off in front of their home fans at Sydney United Sports Centre.

``The boys haven't forgotten that,'' Bosnar said.

``They are pumped and ready to prove a point.''

``[Manly] are a quality side and it'll be wrong to write them off,'' Bosnar said.

``We know it's going to be a tough game but that is when our big players stand up to occasion.''

Friday night's kick-off is at 7.45pm.