TOMORROW NEVER COMES

From the Mirror:

Alex Ferguson is ready to gamble with Manchester United's fading chances of landing silverware this season - just three days after their FA Cup humiliation by lowly Burton Albion.

Fergie claimed he will not play his strongest side in tonight's Carling Cup semifinal first leg at Blackburn, to ensure his established stars are fresh for Saturday's derby at Manchester City.

The Carling Cup represents one of United's only two remaining chances of glory this season, following their Champions League exit and Chelsea's formidable 13-point lead in the Premiership.

But rather than bringing back his first-team stars to restore United's battered pride after the 0-0 draw with Burton, Fergie is prepared to risk further flak by fielding another second-string side.

"Blackburn will play their strongest side, whereas we won't," said Fergie. "With it being a two-leg tie, we can adapt our team to playing away from home and see what position we're in for the return leg.

"We'll be making some changes because we've got the City game to think about, which is a 12.45pm kick-off on the Saturday.

"But I'll play a side that hopefully helps to set us up for the second leg. We included some of the first-team squad at Birmingham to ensure we got through and hopefully we'll do the same again.

"It's going to be a tough semi-final because they're in good form. They're a strong outfit, who are very hard to beat, and I'm expecting a good game."

Mark Hughes:

"We are playing really well and confidence-wise we couldn't be in better shape, so I feel there is no reason why we can't have a good go at getting to a major final. But when people line up to fire negative comments at Sir Alex or the club you get a response.

"Sir Alex got the response from his side that you would expect after they went out of Europe. He has done that many, many times over many, many seasons."

Ryan Giggs, from Pravda.com:

"If we don’t perform in the first game, we could find we’re already out before we’ve even kicked a ball at Old Trafford for the second leg.

"The key is performing well in both games. We need to work hard, and play as a team, because it’s going to be a tough two games.

"It's crucial that we go away from home in the first leg and get a result that we can work with.

"Ewood Park’s always a great place to go for us because we get great support there, and there’s always a great atmosphere. I’m sure it will be the same this time round.

"If we don't perform in the first game, we could already be out before we've even kicked a ball at Old Trafford."

"We’ve got to play better than we did earlier in the season, but it shouldn’t be hard to raise our game for it, after all it’s the semi-final!

"All the players really want to be involved in these games, and you want to produce your best performance, so I’m sure we’ll be up for it."