Darron Gibson led the charge of the youth brigade as Manchester United marched into the Carling Cup semi-finals. Tottenham travelled north hopeful of recording their first Old Trafford victory since 1989 and avenging their shoot-out defeat by Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in last season’s final. But, once Gibson had fired home the first of a brilliant brace, Spurs never looked like ending their hoodoo

Two-goal hero Darron Gibson insisted Manchester United’s youngsters did not have anything to prove when they took to the field against Tottenham.

The Irishman told Sky Sports: ”It was a good team performance following last week. We bounced back and the young lads did well. We didn’t go out to try and prove anything. Sometimes you have bad days and today was a good day.”

Ferguson praised Gibson’s performance and revealed the youngsters will get another chance in the semi-finals.

”He did well,” said the Scotsman. ”The second goal particularly, the movement and working off the ball was good and a terrific finish. Gibson and Anderson did very well in the middle of the park. We’re two games away from Wembley, that’s good. We’ll enjoy the semi-final and these lads will play again.”

Gary Neville, meanwhile, believes the next generation are getting their chance on merit.

”Gibbo scored two great goals and that makes it routine for you,” he said. ”They’re playing for their countries and they deserve their place. They can hold their own. They’re quality.”

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted his side, who were beaten by United on penalties in last season’s final, had let a golden chance slip through their fingers.

And he felt a lack of atmosphere did his team no favours, telling Sky Sports: ”I’m very disappointed. You’re never going to get a better opportunity than we did tonight. We’ve been playing so well recently but there was no atmosphere. It was played at a lethargic pace; we didn’t make a tackle in the first half. It was like a practice match, it just never got going.”

source