United to stick with kids

Mike Phelan insists that Manchester United will continue to field their youngsters against rivals Manchester City in the Carling Cup semi-final.

With City vying to win their first major trophy in 33 years many expected Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson to dent their hopes by fielding his strongest line-up.

However Phelan has moved to quash such rumours and vowed to keep faith in the likes of Ritchie De Laet, Darron Gibson, Danny Welback and Federico Macheda, all of whom impressed during the 2-0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday.

City boss Mark Hughes had highlighted that Ferguson had deployed his youngsters throughout the competition in 2005/06 but recalled his first-teamers for the semi-final against Blackburn - then managed by Hughes.

"We will continue to use a certain set of players that we have done in the past," the United number two said.

"We never go into a football match looking to lose a football match. But our policy has been to give young talented players the opportunity to play in competition. This is just another step for them."

Phelan admitted that he was looking forward to the semi-final tie and the two-legged clash would create a huge buzz around the city of Manchester.

"It is great to be playing Manchester City. It will add some spice and will get things buzzing around the city," he added. "But the fact is we are in the semi-final of a cup competition and it is an opportunity to get to a final. There is no point coming this far not to get there - and this club loves finals."