Ferguson defends gamble on youth
LONDON, England -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is unrepentant over his decision to field a team full of youngsters in Wednesday's League Cup defeat by first division West Brom.
It was the first time United had lost to non-Premiership opposition in a domestic competition for six years, but Ferguson still found cause for optimism.
"It's a gamble but it's one I am prepared to take and in the main, it was worth it," said the Scot who praised debutant Phil Bardsley.
"Phil Bardsley was outstanding and Kleberson showed us what a terrific footballer we all know him to be," Ferguson said.
"He is starting to take his training ground form into games now and that was one of the big plusses from this game."
Ferguson also made it clear that he would not reverse his policy of resting established players for the early rounds of the League Cup.
"Apart from the semi-final and final last season, we have always given young players a chance in this competition.
"No-one likes to lose games but it is important to find out about some of the players we have got at Old Trafford. These lads have been working hard in training and we wanted to recognise that."
