Shinji Kagawa scored on the stroke of half time to give Manchester United a deserved lead against Norwich City.
In a cagey opening to the contest, neither side was able to produce any clear opportunities as the defenders enjoyed early superiority at Old Trafford.
The hosts started to control possession as the first half progressed, forcing Norwich into defending deep inside their own half.
Chances were difficult to come by for United but Wayne Rooney was unlucky not to test Mark Bunn when his shot was blocked following some impressive play by Anderson in midfield.
Despite not providing much attacking threat, Norwich looked as though they would survive until half time but Kagawa ruined the visitors' intentions as the former Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder opened the scoring from close range.
