Michael Carrick is certain Sir Alex Ferguson will not be disappointed if he does throw his youngsters into Wednesday night's Carling Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace.

With injuries biting deep into his midfield reserves, Ferguson has confirmed he will hand 18-year-old France youth international Paul Pogba his full debut at Old Trafford.

Often likened to Patrick Vieira in playing style, Pogba's move to United from Le Havre was completed amid much acrimony from the French outfit.

However, his development has shown why United's coaching staff were so keen to work with the teenager, who was a key figure in last season's FA Youth Cup-winning squad.

Now, after substitute appearances at Leeds and Aldershot in earlier rounds, Pogba is set to get his chance from the start, with others, such as Larnell Cole and Ravel Morrison, itching for their opportunity too.

After working with them on the training ground these past few months, Carrick is positive United's fans will not be disappointed.

"I would back them to produce, definitely,'' said the England international."They certainly have the talent.

"They are good players. They wouldn't be threatening to play if they weren't.

"They have been doing things right, now it is about going to that next step.

"There are not loads of opportunities to come into the first-team, so the Carling Cup is probably the best way to establish yourself.''

Once again, criticism of United's midfield was aired after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

Yet Ferguson remains defiant, insisting he will not go into the transfer market just for the sake of it, believing the answers to his problems may be rather closer to hand than many think.

"This is a great place to learn your trade,'' said Carrick.

"The manager is the best at guiding young players through when he sees they are ready.

"They have had little snippets before and I am sure they will do well if the manager puts them in.''

Pogba is set to make his full debut.

Fellow youngsters Morrison, Ezekiel Fryers, Michael Keane and Ben Amos have all been involved in United's run to the last eight and will hope to be handed another chance to impress Ferguson.

United will also have plenty of first-team experience at their disposal, including Brazilian full-back Rafael who is in line to make his first appearance of the season after a shoulder injury.

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman faces a selection quandary.

The tie at Old Trafford will be the first of two matches in the space of 48 hours for the London club, who host Derby in the npower Championship on Friday night.

Freedman admits there is no way he can play the same side with the games so close together, and the Scot expects to fully utilise his squad.

"We've got to take into account that 48 hours later we are playing Derby live on the television, so we've got to make sure we are also prepared for the quick turnaround,'' said Freedman. "I will be very shocked if 20 players don't get some game-time over the next two matches. I will be mixing both teams around to give me the best opportunity to win both games.

"There will be an opportunity for some players who haven't played so many games to play in one of these games. I will be picking a team that I believe can hold on for as long as possible against Manchester United and then pick a team that can hopefully beat Derby.''

The likes of goalkeeper Lewis Price, defender David Wright, midfielders Jonathan Parr, Darren Ambrose and Kagisho Dikgacoi and strikers Jermaine Easter and Steffen Iversen are available for recalls.


Match

Lets go United!!

ManU is baba anyday, anytime. Show them tonight.

March On

united all the way!

15" and goalless

The Da Silva brothers are just rash, especially in defense; all they do is bump forward like young kids rushing for candy. .mtcheew

hmn

0 - 1

Penalty for man U

thank God ref bail me out

1-1

lucky you

These boys don't want me to sleep well tonite

abeg which channel dey show this match?

^^^NTA 2 channel 5

SailorXY:

abeg which channel dey show this match?

Berra go online and watch the remaining 15 minutes.

These boys should not go into extra time oh

Diouf guy is useless

any link for d match

SailorXY:

any link for d match

Extra time to follow

http://www.livescorehunter.ro/streams/1/lshro2.html

1st half the first 15 underway

mukina2:

1st half the first 15 underway

Why you dey shine teeth?You want me to have nightmares like you did last night,abi?

aieromon:

Why you dey shine teeth?You want me to have nightmares like you did last night,abi?

sharraaaaappppppppppp


gibson came close

scummie corner

gooooaaaaal crystal palace scoresssss!!!!

murray scores




!!!!

e don happen, mods change the scores sharp sharp.

Why nah

gibson comes close yet again . .off target

game over

oi thought chamahk was worse see how macheda miss a very good chance  

gardner go kill em scummies oh . .almost made it 3 -1   

see scummies searching for goal anyhow

crystal palace nor do . .not here

1st half of extra time over . .

15 mins more to go.