Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson is confident that loan signing Phil Bardsley will be a sound addition to his squad.

The Blades have struggled in the Championship after their controversial relegation from the top flight last term, but Robbo is hopeful that Bardsley bring solidity to his side's backline.

Sheffield United are poised to complete the loan signing of defender Phil Bardsley from Manchester United.

With full-back Derek Geary ruled out for up to six weeks, manager Bryan Robson has acted quickly to help fill the void.

Bardsley spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, but failed to do enough to secure a permanent switch to Villa Park.

Michael Carrick says United's solid backline has provided the perfect platform on which to build this season's title challenge.

Rio and co. currently hold the best defensive record in the country, with just two goals conceded, and Carrick believes it will stand the Reds in good stead over the course of the campaign.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he was shocked by the manner his team were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Coventry City last night.

"I was absolutely flabbergasted by that performance," said Ferguson.

"I did not expect that at all. I am not interested in giving reasons or mitigating circumstances. It was just a very bad performance."

Championship side Coventry sprung a major surprise by sending a re-shuffled Manchester United crashing out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson changed his entire team from Sunday's win against Chelsea and paid the price.