Dougie Freedman to savour Manchester United encounter

CRYSTAL Palace manager Dougie Freedman has urged his side to use the experience of playing Manchester United in tonight’s Carling Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford to improve them as players.

The Eagles head north hoping to cause an upset and reach the final four of competition having already seen off Barclays Premier League side Wigan and npower Championship high-flyers Southampton and Middlesbrough in previous rounds.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s tendency to field a second-string side in the competition could give Palace increased hope of progression, but Freedman himself may be forced into changes, with his team returning to Championship action on Friday night against Derby.

Whatever the result at Old Trafford, Freedman wants his side to use the experience to their advantage. “I’ve told my players to go there and come away better players,” he said. “This is an experience that you have got to soak up, you’ve got to enjoy it, you’ve got to work hard and be proud of your performance and what will be will be. That is exactly what I’ve told my players and that is exactly what I am going to do myself.

“You’ve got to make yourself and your family proud of your performance if you’re representing this club and that is what I ask of my players – to make themselves and their families proud of them playing there and coming away from it as a better player.”

Returning to action just 48 hours after the clash means Freedman’s selection is not straightforward and, with no fresh injuries, he is poised to use his entire squad over the two games. “We’ve got to take into account that 48 hours later we are playing Derby live on the television, so we’ve got to make sure we are also prepared for the quick turnaround,” added Freedman. “I will be very shocked if 20 players don’t get some game-time over the next two matches. I will be mixing both teams around to give me the best opportunity to win both games.

“There will be an opportunity for some players who haven’t played so many games to play in one of these games. I will be picking a team that I believe can hold on for as long as possible against Manchester United and then pick a team that can hopefully beat Derby.”