Five-time winners Manchester United set up a Carabao Cup semi-final meeting with city rivals Manchester City after eventually cruising past League Two side Colchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side reached the last four of the competition for the first time since 2017, when they went on to lift the trophy, and progressed by scoring three goals in the space of 10 minutes.
Marcus Rashford wasted numerous chances in a frustrating first-half but brilliantly broke the deadlock early in the second period by cutting in from the left and lashing home.
England international Rashford turned provider for the home side’s third which was converted by Anthony Martial, in between Ryan Jackson’s own goal.
Colchester, understandably, offered little attacking threat against their more illustrious opponents with Callum Harriott’s low drive which skipped a yard wide their best opportunity.
The semi-finals are over two legs, with the first match at Old Trafford taking place in the week commencing 6 January and the second leg at Etihad Stadium week commencing 27 January. (BBC)
