Ferguson ready for Arsenal youngsters

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson expects to face Arsene Wenger's young Gunners when the fierce rivals meet again at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

United face Arsenal in the League Cup quarter-finals and the two sides will be greatly different from those who collided in the bad-tempered Premier League game last month, which United won 2-0.

"I think he (Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger) will keep to his promise to play young players," Ferguson told a news conference on Tuesday.

"I only know one or two of them, but they have had impressive results against Everton and Man City.

"It will be a game of high quality and I am looking forward to it."

The tie is likely to lack the intensity of the recent league meeting, which was marred by allegations of a fracas and food fight in the players' tunnel after United ended Arsenal's record 49-match unbeaten run.

However, Ferguson acknowledges there is still plenty at stake as United look to maintain their interest in a competition they have won only once in their history.

"It is the quarter-finals of the League Cup,

"It's a chance to get into the semi-final and everyone wants to get there. Whoever wins tomorrow have a great chance of getting to final."

Ferguson will also have a number of fringe players on display with few of those involved in Saturday's league win at West Bromwich Albion expected to be involved.

Ferguson will use the squad that beat Crystal Palace in the last round, with the exception of injured French striker Louis Saha who is likely to be out of action until next year with a knee injury sustained on international duty.

"He's had a terrible time," Ferguson said. "Every injury has been with France. He's not been injured with us at all.

"It gives us concerns about him going to play for France again. It is unbelievable."

Ferguson may play England international Alan Smith up front, although he could turn to 17-year-old Guiseppe Rossi, who joined United from Parma this year.