Sir Alex Ferguson and former assistant Carlos Queiroz hatched a plan that has seen a group of Manchester United youngsters progress to the Carling Cup Final. The Reds boss revealed, "Some time ago, I took a deliberate decision with Carlos Queiroz that the way forward with our youngsters was that as soon as we identified they had the quality and temperament to become first-team players, then we would bring them into the squad and let them train with the seniors.

"This has made a huge difference to their readiness for the big time and they are able to make the most of a first-team chance as and when it comes along."