Fergie says sorry for shock cup KO

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson apologised to supporters after Crystal Palace claimed a stunning 2-1 Carling Cup win at Old Trafford last night.

Substitute Glenn Murray headed a winner in extra–time to send the visitors through to a semi–final date with npower Championship rivals Cardiff, at the expense of Ferguson's Premier League champions.

The game had burst into life after 65 minutes when another substitute, Darren Ambrose, opened the scoring with a stunning 35–yard strike, but United forced extra–time with a Federico Macheda penalty four minutes later.

United, showing 10 changes from the side which drew with Newcastle at the weekend, were unable to regain a foothold despite a late rally and Palace deservedly held on after Murray's 98th–minute effort.

Ferguson said: "My apologies are to the fans because that was not a Manchester United performance.

"I don't want to take anything away from Crystal Palace. Every one of their players worked their socks off to try to get to the semi–final.”