Manchester United FC

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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Fergie to turn to youngsters

25 Nov 2009 - 11:31:17

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is not too concerned whether his team finishes first or second in their Champions League group this season.

United have already qualified for the last 16 of Europe's premier competition with two games to spare and Ferguson will field a young side for Wednesday's penultimate group match against Besiktas.

Federico Macheda, Gabriel Obertan, Danny Welbeck, Ritchie De Laet and Darron Gibson all look set to play some part against the Turkish side.

"I don't think being first or second in the group carries so much importance this time," admitted Ferguson.

"What does it matter? But we do want to win the group because it is the best thing to do.

"However, this is a good fixture because I can try one or two things although, in the last game, against CSKA Moscow, we were far too open but we ended up with a fantastic game.

"We will challenge the younger players. Gibson, young Rafa, it is a great challenge for these players. I may also start with Obertan.

"It is difficult getting players matches when you have a big squad. We all face that problem. We try and use the League Cup and now fortunately we have qualified early so we can use the young players in Europe.

"You have to give the chance to the ones who have to be challenged.

"It happens in football where there comes a point where a young player who has that innate ability to be a top player, and you recognise it, you have to give them the challenge otherwise they lose the scent.

"We've been good over the years at recognising that. It is unfortunate for the ones above them but that is the nature of football where a young player turns the corner and takes someone's job.

"Darron Gibson, for instance, is not playing the amount of football he would wish for but he has very good competition in Scholes, Anderson, Carrick and Fletcher.

"But he has never let it get to him in terms of being unsettled. His performances in training are excellent and every session he comes in knowing it has been worthwhile. He has a purpose about his training."