The Manchester United manager has used the competition to give the less experienced members of his squad some much-needed experience in recent years and that trend has continued this term.

Yet, a draw which pitched United into direct confrontation with a club whose 33 years without a trophy is immortalised on the Stretford End with a banner that ticks on one with each passing season, might have prompted a change of heart.

Most Red Devils fans would gladly accept losing to either Blackburn or Aston Villa at Wembley on February 28 if it meant City being denied a big day out.

But Ferguson refuses to be deflected from his original aim, so the likes of Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck can expect to start at Eastlands.

"I will stick with the principle of picking young players on Wednesday," said the United chief.

"That is what we have done in the Carling Cup and we are not changing that."

The stance is bad news for Leeds, who head over the Pennines on Sunday to face United for the first time since 2004 knowing the champions will unleash all their big guns on them in the FA Cup.

It will not prevent 9,000 travelling fans helping to create a white-hot atmosphere that will be a new experience for Michael Carrick, who cannot wait.

"Experiencing those types of feisty atmospheres are why you play football," he said.

"Rivalries like that add extra spice. It is great for the fans and good for the players.

"No matter where you play, or whether the atmosphere is for or against you, it is a great feeling to play.

"Besiktas was very hostile when we went there earlier this season but it was still terrific to play in.

"Leeds are bringing a lot of fans and we are looking forward to it. It should be a cracking game."

The return of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes is anticipated against the Elland Road outfit, although one man who definitely will not be involved is John O'Shea, who could be out of action for another two months with a thigh injury sustained during the Republic of Ireland's heartbreaking World Cup exit in France six weeks ago.