Source: Telegraph
Sir Alex Ferguson calls on Manchester United youngsters to reach Carling Cup final
The second string came in for criticism after a Champions League defeat by Besiktas last week but manager Sir Alex Ferguson kept faith with them for the Carling Cup tie. [LNB]And it paid off as Gibson netted twice in a 2-0 success over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. [LNB] Related ArticlesCan Ferguson's next generaton raise the Beckham bar?Manchester United 2 Tottenham 0Fletcher: Ryan Giggs a 'legend' at Manchester UnitedSpurs to face United without PavlyuchenkoPremier League set for record transfer windowFerguson, who launched a passionate defence of his young players in the wake of last week's Champions League defeat against Besiktas, saw his inexperienced team brush aside a Spurs outfit that included 11 full internationals in the starting line-up.[LNB]And the United manager claimed that the likes of Gibson, Danny Welbeck, Gabriel Obertan and Ritchie de Laet will now be handed the opportunity to guide the holders through next month's two-legged semi-final against whichever Premier League rival they are paired with in Wednesday night's draw.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'We're in the semi-final, so we're two games away from Wembley. We'll enjoy the semi-final and these lads will play again.[LNB]"I think they are gaining by playing in these matches. They are definitely getting better.[LNB]"There was a good improvement in certain parts of it and Gibson and Anderson did very well in the middle of the park.[LNB]"Federico Macheda did well when he came on and Welbeck also played his part, but for me, the two stars were Gibson and Anderson.[LNB]"Gibson did very well. His second goal, in particular, was fantastic.[LNB]"He's the one player now at our club who can get a goal from outside the box. He has tremendous power in his shooting.' Spurs, Carling Cup winners in 2008 and runners-up last season, failed to impress, despite fielding a stronger side than United.[LNB]And manager Harry Redknapp admitted that there were few positives from his team's dismal performance.[LNB]He said: 'I was disappointed tonight because we have been playing so well.[LNB]"There was no atmosphere in the stadium. It was like a practice match and it was played at a real lethargic pace.[LNB]"We didn't make a tackle in the first half, that's how the game was.[LNB]"It was a cup quarter-final, but it was flat. There was not a tackle in the first half. No-one made a tackle.[LNB]'I've never been to Old Trafford and seen an atmosphere like this. The thing never got going.'[LNB]
