Blackburn boss Paul Ince has urged his players to embrace tonight's Carling Cup quarter-final showdown with Manchester United.

After a run of nine Barclays Premier League matches without a win, Blackburn face a daunting task at Old Trafford against a side beaten just once in their last 18 games.

The Ewood Park boss, though, is far from concerned about the pressure.

"The game is a welcome distraction from the league," said Ince, who spent six years on United's books.

"But then speaking to the lads we all wish it was a League game as we know we are playing good football, but we're not having any luck.

"There are people trying to tear this club apart. People want us to fail, but that gives me and my players the strength to prove people wrong."

Defender Martin Olsson is available after serving a one-match ban, while United will make wholesale changes from the team that won the Manchester derby on Sunday.