Man U fans, a divided house over Fergie fielding weakened line-up in FA Cup semis

London, Apr.21 (ANI): Shocked Manchester United fans are bitterly divided over Sir Alex Ferguson's weakened line-up for the FA Cup semi-final where they were defeated by Everton.

According to a report in the Daily Star, thousands believe that the outcome might have been very different had United fielded anything approaching their strongest side for the Wembley clash when they went down on penalties.

Leaving out stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Edwin van der Sar and Michael Carrick backfired for Sir Alex.

But he's not the first manager to risk losing an FA Cup game by making other matches a higher priority.

At Manchester United this season Tottenham's Harry Redknapp rested players for the FA Cup tie to keep them fresh for league battles.

Pro-Fergie United fans said they were willing to sacrifice one trophy in return for increasing their chances of winning other silverware.

Dennis Alderson, secretary of Westmorland Manchester United Supporters' Club, backed Sir Alex's decision even if it cost the chance of a historic clean sweep of five trophies.

But Pete Boyle, of United magazine redissue, said: "If United end up with nothing more than the Carling Cup some people will question Fergie's decision.

Ian Stirling, of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, said: "I'm sure when Everton saw United's team-sheet and Rooney and Ronaldo weren't even on the bench it would have given them a lift." (ANI)