Foster to be axed despite Wembley heroics

Alex Ferguson has confirmed Carling Cup hero Ben Foster will be dropped for tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Newcastle.

Foster was making only his seventh senior Manchester United appearance at Wembley on Sunday.

He responded with a couple of fine saves in normal time before keeping out Jamie O’Hara’s spot-kick as the Red Devils cruised through the penalty shoot-out to win the cup at Tottenham’s expense.

But the 25-year-old’s reward will be a place on the bench at best as United look to consolidate their position, seven points ahead of Chelsea, with a game in hand, as record-breaking Edwin van der Sar returns.

“Edwin will play tomorrow night,” said Ferguson.

“It is not easy and after watching Ben’s performance on Sunday, it would seem a bit unfair.

“But, as I have said, the future is Ben’s and in the end there will be a competition between him and Tomasz Kuszczak when Edwin finally decides to hang his gloves up.”

As Van der Sar has just signed a new one-year contract with the Old Trafford club, Foster clearly is going to need to show some patience as, despite reaching the grand old age of 38, the Dutchman remains Ferguson’s undisputed number one.

“Edwin has been an incredible signing for us,” said the United boss.

“His experience always brings something to the game. The other two lads need to be patient but it is a great position for us to be in.”