Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Manchester United's young players for their performance in the Carling Cup and has promised to play them in the final if they are fit.

Rafael, Jonny Evans and Anderson were all key performers in the win over Derby but all picked up injuries.

"Finals are always hard to get in to and the young lads have done fantastically well to get there," Ferguson said.

"It was a great performance and they (the youngsters) will all be playing in the final.

"The important thing is to find out what their temperament is and they have all proved that tonight.

"Playing in big occasions in front of 75,000 is difficult and I'm proud of them."