"It was a fantastic result for us"

Alex Ferguson has tried to downplay Man United's shock defeat to Derby County in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

"The positive to take from the game is the fact we only lost 1-0," Ferguson reflected after the game. "It was a fantastic result for us tonight considering the performance."

Despite the narrow setback, the United gaffer will continue to give his younger players a chance in the second leg.

"No, no, I think we'll persevere. The younger players deserve it - they were our better players."

United will face Derby in the second leg at Old Trafford on January 20.

(source espnstar.com)