Football: United may retain youth

MANCHESTER United's policy of fielding youngsters in their Coca-Cola Cup teams became an issue again yesterday when the club were drawn away to the Premiership leaders Newcastle United in the third round.

The tie comes in the middle of a three-week period of seven games, and Martin Edwards, United's chief executive, made it clear that Alex Ferguson, the United manager, would be supported.

COCA-COLA CUP Third-round draw: Aston Villa v Middlesbrough, Blackburn v Coventry, Brighton v Swindon, Liverpool v Stoke, Mansfield Town v Millwall, Newcastle v Manchester United, Notts County v Tottenham, Oldham v Arsenal, Portsmouth v Derby, QPR v Manchester City, Sheff United v Bolton, Sheff Wed v Southampton, Tranmere v Norwich, West Ham v Chelsea, Wimbledon v Crystal Palace, Wolves v Nottingham Forest. Ties to be played week commencing 24 October.