Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions he will play a weakened side in the Carling Cup final, despite promising starts to youngsters Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck.
Manchester United face Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday with both teams’ managers facing criticism for prioritising The Premier League over other competitions.
Relegation-threatened Spurs crashed out of the Uefa Cup in midweek after boss Harry Redknapp fielded his second string, while Ferguson insists Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle is more important than Sunday’s trip to Wembley.
The United boss, however, remains adamant that Welbeck and Gibson are worthy additions to the United side and would get into most teams in The Premier League.
"We know what our priorities are," he said. "As always, it is The Premier League and the Champions League.
"We have a game against Newcastle on Wednesday and that will be reflected in my team on Sunday."
He added: “Yes you could that Gibson and Welbeck aren’t regulars in the team, but I could tell you there are 16 to 17 clubs that would happily have them in their teams.
“I’m 100% confident in them. I’ve no doubts in my mind. If there were doubts they would not be playing.
“They are playing because they deserve to and because their contribution in the League Cup has been terrific. Obviously you can’t just depend on two young players to win the cup for us.
“They have got to be backed up by several good, experienced players.”