Ferguson: We got what we deserved at Derby

A clearly disappointed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was gracious in defeat after his team's 1-0 defeat to Derby County in their Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

"The positive to take from the game is the fact we only lost 1-0. It was a fantastic result for us tonight considering the performance."

Ferguson insisted he would not bring in his first-choice players for the second leg.

"No, no, I think we'll persevere. The younger players deserve it - they were our better players."

Match-winner Kris Commons admitted Derby's victory was "up there with the best" moments of his career.

Commons sent Pride Park wild after half an hour when he unleashed a thunderous left-foot shot from 25 yards which flew beyond Tomasz Kuszczak and into the bottom right corner.

The Championship strugglers, who were watched by new manager Nigel Clough from the stands, outplayed the European champions and will defend their advantage in a fortnight.

Asked how the victory ranked in his career, Commons said: "It will be tough to go to Old Trafford and hold on to the 1-0. We'll enjoy it this week, just to beat Manchester United and be able to say that to your kids and grandkids is going to be very special."

Commons said: "I don't think he (Ferguson) will put out the reserve players in the second leg. It's the Carling Cup semi-final so it might be a different side."

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll, formerly of United, agreed Ferguson will field a stronger team in the second leg.

He told Sky Sports 1: "I think he will - but I thought that was a very strong side at the final whistle.

"They (substitutes Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney) are just human."

Derby caretaker boss David Lowe was asked what had been key to the victory - in his only match in charge before Clough takes over - and said: "Sheer hard work, sheer enthusiasm, sheer passion and when we had the ball we played some decent stuff.

"It was a big overall performance from everybody, really. We worked hard on the training pitch and got our rewards."

Resource: ESPNsoccernet