Nigel Clough will certainly be encouraged by his first impressions of a Derby side that deserve the slender lend they will take to Old Trafford for the second leg of this semi-final.
The imbalance of talent between these teams is so immense Manchester United should still be considered favourites to reach Wembley. Last night, however, was as poor a performance from United for as long as Ferguson will care to remember.
Derby, on the other hand, seemed to be inspired by Clough's presence in the directors' box.
It was certainly an uncomfortable evening at times for both of United's centre-halves, Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans, and Ferguson will wince when he sees the replays of how Commons was allowed to advance, unchallenged, towards the penalty area en route to punishing Derby's opponents for their lethargy.
As the game wore on, however, Derby began to defend increasingly deeply. This encouraged their opponents and, for the first time, United finally began to put together some prolonged spells of possession and there was a collective shiver of apprehension among the home supporters in the 63rd minute when Ferguson brought on Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo for Welbeck and Paul Scholes.
Even then, United struggled to break down resolute opponents. Ronaldo sent a dipping, swerving free-kick inches wide, but there was little else and, soon afterwards, Hulse blazed over an open goal from a Commons rebound.
How damaging will that miss be for Derby?
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