Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has assured his youngsters they will keep their Carling Cup places for next week's semi against Manchester City.

Most Red Devils fans would gladly accept losing to either Blackburn or Aston Villa at Wembley on February 28 if it meant City being denied a big day out.

But Ferguson refuses to be deflected from his original aim, so the likes of Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck can expect to start at Eastlands.

"I will stick with the principle of picking young players on Wednesday," said the United chief.

"That is what we have done in the Carling Cup and we are not changing that."