Manchester United welcomed Norwich City to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening as both sides looked to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.
Despite making a number of changes, David Moyes saw his side dominate the opposition for the majority of the game and it was Javier Hernandez who gave the hosts the lead by slotting home a penalty in the first half.
Hernandez doubled his tally just after the break, before late goals from Phil Jones and Fabio da Silva completed a comfortable 4-0 victory.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.
Good evening. English football supporters turn their attention to the Capital One Cup this evening. I'll be bringing you live text coverage of Norwich City's trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
It's fair to say that neither team has made the start to the season that they would have wanted, but tonight offers them both the opportunity to take their minds off the league and concentrate on securing a quarter-final spot.
David Moyes has been eager to stress how important it is to win a trophy in his first season at Old Trafford and he will see the league cup as a big chance of lifting silverware.
Chris Hughton is certain to make changes to his Norwich team tonight. The Canaries are currently 18th in the league and they'll have one eye on this weekend's fixture with Manchester City.
MAN UTD: Lindegaard, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Büttner, Zaha, Cleverley, Jones, Young, Januzaj, Hernandez
SUBSTITUTES: Amos, Anderson, Rooney, Giggs, Smalling, Fabio, Valencia
NORWICH: Bunn, Whittaker, R. Bennett, Bassong, Garrido, Snodgrass, Fer, Johnson, Redmond, Hoolahan, Elmander
SUBSTITUTES: Nash (GK); Martin, Howson, Hooper, Pilkington, Becchio, Murphy
The team news for both sides have arrived and it does make for interesting reading. As expected, Hughton makes a number of changes to his Norwich team. Leroy Fer, Robert Snodgrass and Sebastien Bassong are the only players in the team who also started the draw with Cardiff on the weekend.
Plenty of changes for United too. Javier Hernandez is given a start in attack following his winning goal against Stoke City on Saturday, while both Wilfried Zaha and Ashley Young are given a chance to impress from the first whistle. David de Gea and Robin van Persie are given the night off. Wayne Rooney is on the bench.
Despite the changes made by the hosts, it will be a big test for Norwich tonight. Johan Elmander has a big role to play as the lone striker but he's likely to be offered support by Wes Hoolahan and the exciting Nathan Redmond.
Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand partner each other in defence. Their experience in a team littered with youngster is likely to be key this evening.
It's a big, big night for Zaha. The former Crystal Palace winger hasn't made an appearance under Moyes since the Community Shield in Augusts. If he can produce a big performance tonight, he might edge closer to earning some minutes in the Premier League.
Adnan Januzaj also returns to the United lineup for tonight's game. I wouldn't be surprised to see him operating in the middle, just behind Hernandez.
It might not seem like a priority for the hosts, but a positive result tonight is crucial for United. Although they will be judged on their performances in the Premier League and in Europe, the mood around Old Trafford would drop again if they were to be knocked out by Norwich. After the thrilling win over Stoke, they need another triumph to build confidence.
Norwich have struggled for consistency this season. They made a lot of signings in the summer but not all of them have managed to make an impact yet. Survival may be top of the agenda at the moment but a quarter-final would certainly boost confidence within the squad.
Norwich fans might be happy to know that they have never lost to tonight's opponents in this competition. The Canaries have drawn once and won the other two fixtures.
United head into this match having won 11 out of their last 12 home matches in this competition. They are looking for their fifth triumph in the League Cup this season.
You can also follow live text coverage of Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this evening. Keep up with the latest scores by checking the box to your right.
PREDICTION: Man United of course begin this game as favourites but Norwich do have the capability to cause problems. However, I'm backing the hosts to secure a 3-1 win.
United beat Norwich 4-0 the last time these two sides met at Old Trafford. Shinji Kagawa scored a hat-trick that day but he's not even in the squad this evening. I think it's fair to say that most of the club's supporters want to see more of him.
Just over 10 minutes until kick off at Old Trafford. The excitement will be building for both the supporters and players. There's plenty of people with a point to prove tonight.
Both teams have gone back inside to make their final preparations. I don't think Old Trafford will be close to full tonight but those that are there could be in for a classic cup tie.
United's midfield will have to put in a big display tonight. Leroy Fer is one of the few Norwich new boys that have impressed so far this season and he is likely to prove to be a difficult opponent for Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones.
Both teams are out in the middle and we're almost ready to begin at Old Trafford.
Norwich will get the game underway.
Decent start from the visitors. They have already started to target Elmander with direct passes out of defence.
Redmond beats a couple of defenders with a great piece of skill and his pace causes a few problems when he cuts in from the left. The winger is a big player for Norwich tonight.
United win a free kick on the left when Fer fouls Buttner. Young should do better from a good position but his cross is easily cleared.
Young creates an opening for Januzaj, who can only pick out Bunn's hands with a cross on the stretch. Decent play from United in the last couple of minutes.
Norwich have kept the ball well in the early stages but they aren't carrying too much threat at the moment. Ferdinand prevents a promising move from building when he makes a good clearance under pressure from Elmander.
It's just started to rain in Manchester. Not much to report in terms of attacking play yet.
SHOT! Redmond wastes an opportunity to unleash an effort from the edge of the box following a good run through the middle. However, the winger receives the ball again just moments but his shot drifts well wide.
Excellent work from Buttner as he wins another free kick when he forces Whittaker to bring him down on the left wing. Bennett rises highest to clear the cross from Young.
CLOSE! United are inches away from opening the scoring. Zaha is released on the right for the first time and he delivers a superb cross to Hernandez, who can't quite poke the ball home at the second time of asking inside the six yard box.
The home side almost create another opportunity from a corner but Ferdinand is punished for a foul at the back post. Good pressure from United.
The home side almost create another opportunity from a corner but Ferdinand is punished for a foul at the back post. Good pressure from United.
There was some concern for Johnson, who went down after taking a knock on his knee a few moments ago but the midfielder has returned to the field after receiving some treatment.
Brilliant work from Zaha again as he creates some space for himself before whipping in another inviting cross. Bunn does well to push the ball to safety.
PENALTY: Januzaj exchanges passes with young on the left before turning Fer once inside the box. The Norwich midfielder makes an awful mistake as he brings down the youngster to gift United the chance to go ahead.
GOAL! MAN UNITED 1-0 NORWICH (HERNANDEZ)
Hernandez makes no mistake from 12 yards as he sends Bunn the wrong way to give his team the lead. Norwich aren't happy but Fer shouldn't have made such a needless challenge inside the box.
Norwich are still keeping the ball well but they're struggling to get players close to Elmander, who has looked an isolated figure in the first half.
There's a stoppage in play when Snodgrass and Buttner collide in the air but both should be fine to continue.
Hernandez rises well to meet Young's cross but his header is directed straight at Bunn, who makes the easiest of saves.
Norwich win a free kick on the left and Snodgrass delivers a good cross into the box but Bennett's header is easy for Lindegaard to collect.
The hosts want another penalty but there's no decision from Kevin Friend this time. Buttner broke free on the left before drilling in a good cross. Zaha went down under a challenge from Garrido's challenge but the winger's appeals were rejected.
United miss the opportunity to create an opening when Januzaj miscues his cross out of play on the right after being picked out by Rafael.
Norwich are continuing to play some nice football but not in areas of the pitch that will be a concern to the home side. Vidic and Ferdinand have barely been tested in the first half.
Cleverley picks out Young on the left and he chooses to cut inside to unleash a shot on goal but Bunn easily gathers the ball.
CLOSE! Januzaj is inches away from doubling his team's lead when he collects the ball on the edge of the box and curls a shot just wide of the top corner. Great effort.
There's a hint of a chance for Norwich but Elmander's control is poor just moments after he exchanged passes with Snodgrass on the edge of the box.
Norwich are beginning to commit one or two more players forward but their attacks are lacking pace at the moment. Redmond needs to see more of the ball.
Januzaj makes another good run into the box to collect the ball in a promising position. Fer closes him down again but only gives away a corner on this occasion.
Norwich clear the corner but the ball is quickly returned to Young, whose cross from the left drifts just over the United players inside the box.
The visitors attack well in numbers but it's Redmond who slows down the move on the left. Rafael and Zaha then combine superbly to retrieve possession. The Old Trafford crowd respond well to the good defensive work.
CLOSE! Januzaj is once again displaying what an exciting prospect he is for United. The youngster breezes past a couple of defenders with ease before stinging Bunn's palms. Bassong then makes a vital block to prevent Januzaj from tapping in the rebound.
Young collects the ball in plenty of space on the left and he's inches away from picking out Hernandez, who can't get his head on the ball inside the box.
Plenty of pressure being applied by the hosts in the closing stages of the first half but Norwich are doing just enough to keep United out.
HALF-TIME: MAN UTD 1-0 NORWICH
United head into the break ahead thanks to a penalty from Hernandez. The host have certainly been the better side and they fully deserve the lead.
Norwich were furious with the decision to give the home side but a penalty following Fer's challenge on Januzaj. I don't have much sympathy thought. The tackle wasn't needed and Fer didn't make any contact with the ball.
Januzaj's stock will continue to rise if he keeps playing like this tonight. He's been at the heart of everything good from United and his creativity in the final third of the pitch is causing plenty of problems for the visitors.
Norwich need an injection of pace in the second half. Their passing has been good, but not threatening. Redmond was bright in the early stages but he hasn't had too many opportunities to attack down the wing.
I mentioned before the game that it was a big night for Zaha. The former Crystal Palace winger has looked threatening when he does get the ball on the right but he needs to get involved more.
Both teams are back out on the pitch now. No changes yet. United will get the second half underway.
It's a pretty quiet start to the second half from both teams. No attacking intent shown yet.
Norwich win a free kick in a good position and Whittaker's cross is an inviting one. Vidic is put under big pressure by Bassong bu the United defender does well to clear.
Zaha is slightly unlucky to concede a free kick for a foul on Johnson on the left. Fer wins the header from the cross this time but he can't direct his effort towards goal.
CLOSE! Redmond uses his pace well to earn himself some space and deliver a dangerous ball into the box. Elmander meets the cross on the stretch but he flicks his effort just wide of the target.
Norwich have certainly started the second half the better but they must snatch an equaliser while they are on top. United will cause problems with their pace when they break.
GOAL! MAN UTD 2-0 NORWICH (HERNANDEZ)
Norwich were on top but United have now edged a step closer to qualifying for the next round. Buttner whips in a great cross for the Mexican, who sees his first header saved by Bunn. However, he manages to bundle the rebound in from close range.
CLOSE! Norwich almost hit back immediately when Redmond once again causes problems on the wing. His cross is met by Snodgrass, whose header is well saved by Lindegaard.
Unfortunately, Snodgrass was hurt when he attempted to head Norwich back into this game. The midfielder is currently receiving treatment inside the box.
There's a lot of concern for Snodgrass at the moment. Both sets of medical teams are out their trying to help. It was the collision with Rafael which caused the problem.
The medics are taking their time treating Snodgrass. Hopefully he's not as hurt as first though but it's unclear right now.
Snodgrass has been down for approximately seven minutes now, which really is a concern for the Norwich camp and everyone inside the ground. The midfielder has just been placed on a stretcher and his departure is met with warm applause.
SUBSTITUTION: It's Anthony Pilkington who comes on to replace Snodgrass.
Januzaj begins another United attack with a clever pass to Hernandez, whose cross is well cleared by Garrido. Young takes the corner that follows but his delivery is awful and Norwich deal with cross easily.
United almost create an opportunity with a lovely passing move which involves Januzaj, Young and Jones but Norwich hold firm inside the box to make sure that they don't concede a third.
CLOSE! Januzaj continues to entertain the home supporters as he skips past Fer in midfield before curling an effort from distance just past the post.
Norwich need to pull a goal back very soon if they are to have any chance of somehow forcing this game into extra time.
United wastes a promising attack when Buttner's poor touch allows Garrido to steal the ball at a crucial moment.
SUBSTITUTION: There's some more worries for Hughton now when Redmond abandons a run down the right and immediately clutches his side. He's removed and Josh Murphy comes on to replace him.
Murphy shows great confidence by immediately taking on a couple of players on the right. However, the assistant referee intervenes to punish him for an apparent foul on Buttner.
SUBSTITUTION: Januzaj links well with Zaha on the right of midfield but the latter loses possession as he attempts to take on Bassong. That's his last contribution as he then comes off to be replaced by Wayne Rooney.
Januzaj is pushed out to the right wing following the introduction of Rooney, who slots in just behind Hernandez.
Hernandez glares at Buttner after the full back failed to deliver a cross towards him while in plenty of space. The Mexican is desperate to complete his hat-trick.
SHOT! Rooney finds Hernandez on the edge of the box and the forward curls an effort just over the crossbar. Norwich offering nothing in attack at the moment.
Great move from United. The hosts switch the ball from right to left and Young picks out Buttner, whose powerful effort is well blocked by Bennett. Young delivers an inviting cross from the corner but Rooney can't meet the ball with his head.
Januzaj has supporters getting off their feet once again when he takes on Garrido but the Norwich defender does well this time to win a goal kick for his side.
GOAL! MAN UTD 3-0 NORWICH (JONES)
Hernandez gets his head on a deep cross but he can't direct his effort towards goal. Bassong fails to clear the danger and Jones responds by volleying home from just inside the box. Excellent finish. United cruising into the next round.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Hoolahan's night comes to an end as Gary Hooper comes on. Cleverly is also replaced, with Anderson being given a chance by Moyes.
That lengthy absence due to the injury of Snodgrass means that there will be 11 minutes of stoppage time.
The hosts are relaxing now as they cruise towards the final whistles. Norwich aren't applying much pressure on the ball in midfield.
SUBSTITUTION: There's a big round of applause for Januzaj, who has been absolutely brilliant this evening. Fabio comes on to replace the 18-year-old.
GOAL! MAN UTD 4-0 NORWICH (FABIO)
Fabio scores just moments after coming on as a substitute! Rooney picks out the Brazilian with a superb chipped pass over the Norwich defence and Fabio controls the ball well before poking it past Bunn. That's a great goal.
United just continue to attack in stoppage time. Buttner and Rafael are still offering options on both wings as Norwich wait for the final whistle.
CHANCE! Hernandez should have his hat-trick. Young picks the Mexican out with a great cross but he fails to hit the target with a free header.
Just two minutes left of stoppage time to be played. Norwich's frustration is clear as they continue to struggle in advanced areas of the pitch. Johnson delivers a free kick into the area but the ball drifts over every head and out for a goal kick.
Rooney fails to pick out Young with another cross-field pass and Norwich breathe a sigh of relief as the attack then breaks down.
FULL-TIME: MAN UTD 4-0 NORWICH
Job done for Moyes. He'll absolutely delighted with his team's display tonight. There was plenty of changes made but the players who came in performed very well. They full deserve their place in the last eight of this competition.
Hernandez has once again done his reputation no harm with two goals tonight. The Mexican just continues to score goals. Another player who impressed tonight was Januzaj, who once again proved just how much talent he has by pulling the strings for the hosts.
Norwich were far from at their best tonight and they'll be disappointed with the lack of chances they created. However, Hughton knows that the league is far more important to his team and he will look to quickly put this result behind them.
Thanks for joining me this evening. Make sure you stick around on Sports Mole for reaction from all of tonight's Capital One Cup action.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
