SIR Alex Ferguson has rounded on the critics who have written his youngsters off following Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Besiktas last week.
Ferguson elected to field most of the young players that steered the Reds to last season’s Carling Cup success, with strikers Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck both still in their teens. 
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SIR Alex Ferguson is set to hand another chance to the men who slipped to defeat against Besiktas last week when Manchester United look to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals at the expense of Tottenham at Old Trafford on Tuesday. 
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RYAN Giggs might be a self-confessed recluse off the pitch these days - but as long as he likes to party on it, United will be happy.
He can be as tedious as he likes as he recuperates from matches, but while he is defying his age as he is when he goes to work, who cares? 
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UNITED could face old rivals Leeds in the FA Cup third round.
But Kettering, a team once managed by former United boss Ron Atkinson, are also in the running for a dream ticket to Old Trafford in the New Year. 
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Stuart Mathieson gives his verdict on the players that spoiled Avram Grant’s return to the Premier League. 
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US Tour
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Antonio Valencia of Manchester United clashes with Hermann Hreidarsson of Portsmouth during the FA Barclays Premier League match between Portsmouth and Manchester United at Fratton Park on November 28 2009 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Antonio Valencia;Hermann Hreidarsson
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AVRAM Grant’s reign at Chelsea ended with defeat on penalties to Manchester United and his first game in charge of Portsmouth saw Red Devils forward Wayne Rooney score two crucial spot-kicks within his hat-trick at Fratton Park.
Grant, who has taken over from Paul Hart and will be rubber-stamped as manager next week when paperwork is completed, could not have asked for a tougher opening game than against the Premier League champions but there was hope of a result when Kevin-Prince Boateng levelled, also with a penalty. 
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DARREN Fletcher insists boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s touchline ban will not affect the United players.
The Reds chief will watch today’s game against Portsmouth and Tuesday night’s Carling Cup clash with Tottenham from the stands following his outburst against referee Alan Wiley. 
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JONNY Evans and John O’Shea remain doubtful for United’s trip to Portsmouth tomorrow.
Evans picked up a calf injury on international duty with Northern Ireland a fortnight ago, while O’Shea suffered an thigh injury during the Republic of Ireland’s controversial World Cup play-off defeat to France. 
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SIR Alex Ferguson still rates Wes Brown as England’s most natural defender despite all his injury woes.
With Rio Ferdinand missing due to a long-standing back complaint and both John O’Shea and Jonny Evans sidelined after picking up injuries on international duty earlier this month, Manchester United are now relying on Brown and Nemanja Vidic for the solidity they have been missing lately. 
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