Fergie - We'll learn from loss

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes his fledgling Manchester United players will take lessons from their surprise Carling Cup defeat to West Ham.

A largely second-string United side crashed out of the tournament after they were taken apart 4-0 at Upton Park on Tuesday evening by Avram Grant's men.

And Ferguson insists the younger and less experienced members of his team need to use the experience as a learning curve.

When asked whether the defeat would make them stronger, the manager told Sky Sports News: "We've always done well at that. Young players have come through these periods.

"A few years ago we lost to Coventry and they learnt a lesson that day."

Ferguson admits the Hammers took a better approach to the clash and feels they benefitted from the home support.

He said: "Today, West Ham approached it like more of a cup tie and they got stuck in with well-weighed challenges and things like that. They got the crowd up for them."

While acknowledging the London club's strong display, Ferguson did not offer excuses for the mistakes made by his side.

"(There were) too many younger players making errors and giving away goals," he added.

"They can't give away goals like that, even though they're young."