Manchester United will become the first team to go through the Champions League group stage without conceding a goal if they can keep a clean sheet at home to free-scoring Valencia on Tuesday.
Their tight defence in European games has been in contrast to erratic domestic performances at the back and has often been down to promising displays by some of their younger players, who look likely to be given the responsibility once again.
United and Valencia have already qualified for the knockout round although top spot in Group C is still up for grabs. The English club, who have 13 points from five games, will win the group if they do not lose to the Spaniards, who are on 10.
With United facing important Premier League matches against leaders Arsenal and champions Chelsea in the next fortnight, manager Alex Ferguson's policy of giving his youngsters a run-around in Europe looks set to continue.
"We have some fantastic young players at the back," 31-year-old Wes Brown, whose place in defence has sometimes been taken by the new crop, told the club magazine Inside United.
"You could play a good back five with some of them in there; Ben Amos in goal, Rafael at right back, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling in the centre and Fabio at left back. That is the next generation."
While the gamble to experiment has paid off in the Champions League, a youthful United side came crashing down to earth last week when the holders lost 4-0 to West Ham United in the League Cup to end a 29-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
