Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is facing
a Carling Cup goalkeeping conundrum ahead of Sunday's final.
Edwin van der Sar is Ferguson's obvious first choice and,
having played in both legs of the semi-final victory over
Manchester City, would be regarded as a good bet to feature at
Wembley against Aston Villa on Sunday.
However, Van der Sar has suffered two long injury-enforced
absences this term and was allowed time off on compassionate leave
over Christmas when his wife Annemarie suffered a stroke, allowing
both his deputies long runs in the side.
Tomasz Kuszczak played in the opening round against Wolves
and the quarter-final victory over Tottenham, which formed part of
an extended run in the side, while Ben Foster was in goal for the
fourth-round triumph at Barnsley.
Foster would appear to be the outsider of the three, even
though he was the penalty shoot-out hero against Tottenham at
Wembley last season and was also recalled for Tuesday night's
victory over West Ham.
"I have three good goalkeepers and I need to choose the right
one," said Ferguson.
"I gave Edwin the rest on Tuesday because he has come through
quite a tough period with his injury and also his family situation.
"He has not missed a game, including all the midweek ones, so
this week was an opportunity to give him a rest.
"Now I have to consider what is the right thing to do on
Sunday."
