Fergie tips Spurs for top four

MAN UNITED 2, TOTTENHAM H 0

Sir Alex Ferguson is tipping Tottenham for a sustained tilt at gatecrashing the top four despite last night’s lamentable display at Old Trafford.

Ferguson’s youthful Manchester United outfit cruised into the Carling Cup semi–finals for the fifth time in eight years.

Though he retains veterans such as Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, Ferguson could not have expected United to win the game so easily.

Harry Redknapp was so annoyed he sidestepped the post–match press conference, sending assistant Kevin Bond instead.

Gibson was the star of the show for United, driving home a blistering 25–yard effort to give the hosts an early lead before drawing a flowing four–man move to a conclusion with a brilliantly curled finish.

It fully vindicated the faith Ferguson has shown in his youngsters, who have already been promised an outing in the two–legged semi–final next month.

“I want these lads to enjoy the semi-final because they will play again,” said Ferguson.