United striker Welbeck joins Preston

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Sir Alex Ferguson has told the FA not to interfere in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg

The Manchester United boss is furious that the FA – the game’s law enforcers – are set to remind both clubs about their responsibilities over ensuring there is no trouble at the Old Trafford return leg.

The FA were concerned over the altercation between United old boy Carlos Tevez and Old Trafford skipper Gary Neville in the first leg – and about the trouble inside and outside the stadium at Tuesday night’s first leg. “Is it their domain?” Sir Alex said. “It’s the League Cup. It was competitive but there were no confrontations on the pitch."

"Nothing. No malice. I thought the game went with a good fl ow.” He is already looking forward to Wednesday night’s clash and can’t foresee any major problems. Ferguson added: “It will be a great atmosphere, with City bringing 9,000 fans. When you get that at Old Trafford it definitely bounces.”

City keeper Shay Given expects United to bring out the big guns in an attempt to restore some battered local pride.

Given, who wasn’t even born the last time his club lifted a trophy in 1976, admits Sir Alex Ferguson’s strong team selection at Eastlands didn’t surprise him. “No, we didn’t see many United kids on Tuesday night, did we?” he said.

“He might have said he was going to do that but we kind of knew that he would play his strongest team. I am sure it will be the same for the return leg. But we showed a lot of character to come back into the tie and sneak our noses in front.”

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League Championship side Preston North End have signed Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck on loan for the rest of the season.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has allowed his son, Darren, to make Welbeck his first signing as Preston's new manager.

The 19-year-old striker, who signed a four-year contract extension with United in December, goes straight into the North End squad in time for Tuesday's trip to Peterborough.

Manchester-born Welbeck, who came through the ranks at United, has scored five goals in 24 games for the Premier League side.

Preston, who famously had David Beckham on loan before he made an impact at Old Trafford, are currently 17th in the Championship, six points off the relegation zone.