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Ferguson: Carling Cup great for Man Utd youth development

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to play his youngsters in the Carling Cup.

United enjoyed an impressive win in the last round at Scunthorpe United.

Ferguson told Inside United: "We've been to Scunthorpe this season and we went to Barnsley last year, and it's in those sorts of environments you learn about your squad. We fielded a lot of young players in the Carling Cup last time out, and they acquitted themselves admirably.

"The competition has served us well; it allows me to keep everybody happy in terms of giving them games and we've reached the last two finals, which has its obvious advantages. Playing at Wembley and competing on the big stage is terrific for player development.

"We always prefer to win, but I remember when Coventry came to Old Trafford and beat us in 2007. Our lads simply forgot it was a cup tie and the penalty for a poor performance was getting knocked out. Coventry were very hungry and you have to say they deserved to win. That was a big lesson and it helps us now."

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