Fergie set to stand by his United youngsters

SIR Alex Ferguson has promised to stand by his youngsters in next month’s English League Cup semi-final after Manchester United sent Tottenham tumbling out in the last eight last night.

As expected, Ferguson offered another chance to the majority of the side defeated by Besiktas last week.

And the Red Devils chief was rewarded with a fine display at Old Trafford against a Tottenham outfit good enough to scrap their way into third spot in the Premier League without being any match for their hosts once Darron Gibson had netted an excellent first-half brace.

United will learn who they will meet in the last four today — Manchester City are potential opponents — but, whoever they get, Ferguson knows exactly which pool of players will benefit.

“I want these lads to enjoy the semi-final because they will play again,” said Ferguson.

“We are gaining as a club because they are getting the chance to play in these matches. They are all definitely getting better.”

It was a point Ferguson made quite forcefully in the build-up, condemning those who, in the aftermath of the Besiktas defeat, claimed his youngsters had no future.

This time, they showed their true colours, with central midfield pairing Anderson and Gibson picked out for special praise.

“They both played very well,” said Ferguson.

“Once Anderson imposed himself on the game, he was able to attack players in the middle of the park and we finished up comfortable winners.

“Darron Gibson is the one player in our club who can score great goals from outside the box. He has such tremendous power in his shot.”