Sir Alex Ferguson apologises after Carling Cup exit

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has apologised to fans after his side's Carling Cup exit to Crystal Palace.

Despite making a number of changes to the team, the Reds still had nine internationals in the starting lineup for the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

"I don't know where to start, to be honest," 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, I am just very disappointed.

"I wish them every success and hope they get to the final because it was a fantastic, mammoth effort from them tonight."

The Red Devils travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.