Ferguson forgets the hype

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has shrugged off the hype surrounding tonight’s Carling Cup meeting against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

It is the first time Ferguson and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger have faced each other since October 24 when their Barclays Premiership match was riddled with bad blood and accusations.

There was talk that Ferguson had been splattered by pizza and soup after his team ended Arsenal’s 49-match unbeaten league run.

No sooner had the furore subsided the teams were then paired in the League Cup.

The draw gave Ferguson a chuckle. He told MUTV: “I had to laugh. I think there was smoke coming out of the ears of some people at the FA. They must have thought ‘Anything but that’.

“But we will just go and play our football and, we hope, get a result.”

Ferguson will stick with the squad which defeated Crystal Palace in the last round, bar the injured Louis Saha, and give a rest to the majority of his senior players before next weekend’s league match against Southampton.

He is set to give starts to youngsters Giuseppe Rossi and Chris Eagles.

Ferguson said: “If you go back 10 years we were the first to do it [rest top players], and I remember a lady MP complained in the House of Commons. Now a lot of clubs use their pool.

“You always learn about your young players in the Carling Cup.

“It is the area where we try and test them. We test their character; we test their temperament; we test their ability to play at the top level. It is great for all young players here.

“Of course, the game will be competitive. It is the quarter-finals of the League Cup, so you can expect a competitive game. It does not matter who you play against.

“We have a chance to get into the semi-final, and everyone wants to get there.

“Whoever wins this game has a great chance of getting to the final.”

Rossi, 17, has looked good at junior and reserve-team level since his arrival from Parma in the summer – and he could partner Alan Smith in attack.

Ferguson said: “We have been impressed with Rossi in all his games for the club. We are very pleased with him.

“He can score goals. He is only small but he is good in the air. He’s got quick feet and has a great brain.

“I have a good group of players, and the best way is to play them in competitions like the League Cup. It does not matter who you play; it is still a step up.”

Eric Djemba-Djemba is expected to return in midfield.

The Cameroon international insists he is relishing life at Old Trafford, despite having made only three starts in the league this season.

“It is a pleasure to be here, because I am learning so much,” he said.

“I learn because of the manager. He is always talking to me and giving advice. He tries to help me.

“The Premiership is very hard, but I prefer to stay here and learn rather than go to another club like Paris St Germain.”