Richards is a major doubt after suffering a hamstring injury in England Under-21's hammering of Denmark on Thursday.
Initial speculation suggested the defender would be out of action for a month, wrecking his hopes of helping City reach their first major final since 1981.
Race against time: Micah Richards injured his hamstring against Denmark U21s
Don't look back in anger: Richards will be desperate to banish the memories of the last Manchester derby
However, Richards is not giving up quite so easily.
And as fellow full-back Jerome Boateng seems certain to be out of action as well after returning to Manchester for knee surgery after experiencing discomfort in the build-up to Germany's friendly with Australia tomorrow, there is even more importance being placed upon Richards' battle for fitness.
'I will do anything and everything to be ready for that game,' Richards told www.mcfc.co.uk
'I knew straight away what I had done because I heard the dreaded ping. It is a bit sore but I'm hoping it is not too bad.
'Some of the other lads have used an oxygen tent to help them recover more quickly from injuries so I am willing to give it a go.
'I will sleep in the thing if necessary. I want to be available for that game against United. It is going to be a great occasion.'
Richards will be missing when City entertain Sunderland on Sunday, hoping to collect maximum points in the battle for a top-four slot.
The Blues also have a trip to Liverpool on April 11 before they gear up for the United clash.
'It is a bit of a sickener picking up the injury at this time,' said Richards.
'We had a lot of games in quick succession but I felt I was holding my form quite well.'
?Capello hands Barry England armband... days after dropping him against WalesGrow up, Mario! Italy chief warns Balotelli as Man City launch darts probeAll the latest Man City news, features and opinionAll the latest Man United news, features and opinion
?Explore more:Places: Liverpool, Manchester, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Denmark
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail