Sir Alex Ferguson insists Harry Redknapp's threat to play his weakest possible team at Old Trafford tomorrow does not reflect badly on the FA Cup.
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Tottenham, who visit United just three days after needing extra-time to book a Carling Cup date with the Red Devils on March 1 and with a tricky EPL encounter with fellow strugglers Stoke looming on Tuesday.
Under the circumstances, Redknapp feels it would be folly to risk key men at Old Trafford, particularly as he is contending with a growing injury list which has already claimed Ledley King, Jermaine Jenas and Jamie O'Hara.
"It is not a reflection on the FA Cup at all," Ferguson said.
"Harry was speaking in the emotion of a game of what I am sure is a concern.
"He has some genuine injuries and is concerned about Tuesday night against Stoke. At the moment they are down there along with three or four others on 21 points.
"He has been picking up one or two injuries and their next few league games are quite tough ones. They have three six-pointers and are coming out of a match played on a really soft pitch in atrocious conditions.
"In that situation you have to protect your club."
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