Was Sir Alex Ferguson's son Darren wrong to deny Ashley and Tyler Young FA Cup history in Everton's win over Peterborough? Eight Mail Sport reporters deliver their verdicts...
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Darren Ferguson denied Ashley Young and his teenage son Tyler the chance to create FA Cup history on Thursday night. Ashley, 39, and Tyler, 18, had looked set to become the first father and son to play against each other in the 154-year history of the FA Cup when Everton hosted Peterborough at Goodison Park.
![[Ashley Young (left) admitted he was 'gutted' at being denied the opportunity to share the pitch with his son (right) and make FA Cup history]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/13/93958173-14270641-image-a-107_1736517264080.jpg)
Young Sr, had admitted it would be his 'dream' to share the pitch with Tyler, but Ferguson - the son of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex - opted to leave the teenager on the bench as Everton ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye.
![[Darren, who is the son of Sir Alex, defended himself by saying Peterborough are not a 'charity case' but he has been criticised by some fans]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/13/93958609-14270641-image-m-117_1736517462049.jpg)
Ashley and Tyler were seen chatting after the final whistle, but there was obvious disappointment from the pair, and the former posted the one-word message 'GUTTED' on Friday morning. Ferguson defended his actions by insisting Peterborough could not be seen as a 'charity case'.
![[Nathan Salt believes Ferguson did nothing wrong as his team were still in the game when he made his final substitute]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/14/93958727-14270641-image-m-121_1736517628531.jpg)
So, was Ferguson right or wrong? Eight Mail Sport reporters deliver their verdicts... Darren Ferguson chose to not bring Tyler Young on to play against his dad Ashley. Ashley Young (left) admitted he was 'gutted' at being denied the opportunity to share the pitch with his son (right) and make FA Cup history.
![[Joe Bernstein feels Ferguson made a mistake by naming Tyler (pictured) on the bench and raising the possibility that he could play]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/13/93958673-14270641-image-m-119_1736517553757.jpg)
Darren, who is the son of Sir Alex, defended himself by saying Peterborough are not a 'charity case' but he has been criticised by some fans. It did seem strangely mean-spirited when we consider how quickly and easily all modern managers will rest and rotate players for cup ties because there are always other priorities.
![[Ian Ladyman thinks Ferguson was just doing what was right for his team to try to win the game]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/10/15/93962221-14270641-image-a-122_1736522304888.jpg)
