Manchester United could follow Liverpool and Manchester City in the semi-finals of the English Carling Cup. Only an upset will condemn the Red Devils to an exit like Chelsea and Arsenal.
Alex Ferguson will feature a weakened side against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford tonight. Paul Pogba, Ezekiel Fryers and Michael Keane are all expected to play as Manchester United are already working on their next generation of players.
Patrice Evra, who appreciates the club’s youth policy, was quoted as saying on the club’s official website:
“This is a big chance for them, but they have to be careful because Sir Alex gives you an opportunity, and if you let him down, it’s difficult to get another one.
“I’m really proud and pleased because when you see these young players in action, you know United’s future is bright.
“They’re doing a great job and Sir Alex deserves a lot of credit for that – he’s not afraid to play them in the Carling Cup.”
It must be noted, however, that Alex Ferguson’s idea of calling young players is not based on lack of respect for the towards the Carling Cup. In an interview on Manutd.com, midfielder Michael Carrick underlined the Red Devils’ desire to clinch the trophy. He stated:
“Some people have written the competition off as not being so important, but lifting that trophy in February gives you a great feeling. It gives you a lot of belief going into the end of the season, not just as players but as a club.
“If you are winning trophies, it gives everyone a boost. It's something we're not taking lightly as it's an opportunity to get more silverware.”
Aware of Manchester City and Liverpool’s progress into the Last 4 of the League Cup, Carrick added:
“This year there are still big teams left in it. Certain years in the past, there have been a few lesser teams. This competition is very strong.
“Come the quarter-finals you take it seriously, of course you do. We are not taking Crystal Palace lightly. It is just an opportunity to be successful and keep our run going.”
Patrice Evra, who appreciates the club’s youth policy, was quoted as saying on the club’s official website:
“This is a big chance for them, but they have to be careful because Sir Alex gives you an opportunity, and if you let him down, it’s difficult to get another one.
“I’m really proud and pleased because when you see these young players in action, you know United’s future is bright.
“They’re doing a great job and Sir Alex deserves a lot of credit for that – he’s not afraid to play them in the Carling Cup.”
It must be noted, however, that Alex Ferguson’s idea of calling young players is not based on lack of respect for the towards the Carling Cup. In an interview on Manutd.com, midfielder Michael Carrick underlined the Red Devils’ desire to clinch the trophy. He stated:
“Some people have written the competition off as not being so important, but lifting that trophy in February gives you a great feeling. It gives you a lot of belief going into the end of the season, not just as players but as a club.
“If you are winning trophies, it gives everyone a boost. It's something we're not taking lightly as it's an opportunity to get more silverware.”
Aware of Manchester City and Liverpool’s progress into the Last 4 of the League Cup, Carrick added:
“This year there are still big teams left in it. Certain years in the past, there have been a few lesser teams. This competition is very strong.
“Come the quarter-finals you take it seriously, of course you do. We are not taking Crystal Palace lightly. It is just an opportunity to be successful and keep our run going.”
