League is priority for both finalists, insists Ferguson
Ferguson is hungry for more silverware and is keen for the first domestic showpiece of the season to give the world champions their second trophy. However, the Scot’s squad will include a number of youngsters, including Derry’s Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck, who have been guaranteed starting slots, with Ferguson confirming that his team selection will be based on the side he intends to put out at Newcastle on Wednesday.
And, although Spurs’ troubles are at the other end of the Premier League table, Ferguson expects counterpart Harry Redknapp to have more than half an eye on their midweek encounter with Middlesbrough.
“We know what our priorities are,” said Ferguson. “As always, it is the Premier League and the Champions League. We have a game against Newcastle on Wednesday and that will be reflected in my team on Sunday.”
The situation is slightly different for Tottenham, who found themselves fielding a team against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday which failed in the UEFA Cup, a tournament for which they were so proud to qualify when they beat Chelsea in last season’s Carling Cup final.
“The Premier League is the only place to be,” said Ferguson. “It is the only thing that matters – Harry Redknapp is well aware of that. Apart from the goalkeeper, the other 10 players that started (on Thursday) will not do so again on Sunday.
“It is to do with how he can manage the next seven days. He has Middlesbrough on Wednesday and there is no doubt what is clear in Harry’s mind – survival in the Premier League.”
For Ferguson, the final represents a chance to show faith in many of the young players who have steered United to the brink of a third success in the competition.
Since United returned from Milan on Wednesday morning, Ferguson has been made aware a number of senior players who wish to be involved. Their requests have been noted. But the Red Devils chief has no intention of dumping the likes of Gibson and Welbeck, whose own careers will be given a major shove in the right direction by exposure to such a grand stage.
“Those kids deserve to play, then I will try to wedge in the ones that want to,” reflected Ferguson.
For Gibson in particular it promises to be an important afternoon. At 21, the Republic of Ireland international has time on his side. But he is not exactly a raw-boned rookie either. And, unlike Rafael Da Silva, who has made such a big impression this season but misses out with an ankle injury, Gibson has found the midfield scrap very difficult to win.
“It is a particularly hard situation for Darron given the number of midfielders I have got,” said Ferguson. “Really, it is the strongest part of my squad, so lads like Darron have to be patient. If they are, their opportunities will come. Giving Darron a game on Sunday is at least recognition he has done very well this season.”
Ferguson would like to pair Gibson with Rodrigo Possebon but feels the general lack of experience would cause United a major problem.
Ben Foster seems certain to get the goalkeeping slot ahead of Tomasz Kuszczak, while Jonny Evans will take a central defensive berth, where he may be joined by Nemanja Vidic.
Nani and Carlos Tevez are also certain starters, with Wayne Rooney coming into contention. Anderson, will travel but may be left on the bench as he inches his way to full fitness after a recent ankle injury.
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