Manchester United booked their spot in the semi-finals of the League Cup with a 2-0 win over Stoke City on Wednesday.
An uneventful first half in terms of chances was halted after 29 minutes due to heavy hail at the Britannia Stadium.
The deadlock was broken just past the hour mark when Ashley Young sent United into the lead with a stunning strike, before Patrice Evra wrapped up the victory 10 minutes from time.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Premier League rivals.
Match statistics:
Stoke:
Shots: 9
On target: 0
Possession: 48%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 15
United:
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 52%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 7
Was the result fair?
In truth, this will not go down as a classic fixture. Not too much happened in the first period with the weather harming events on the field. The weather and indeed football improved in the second half, however, with United taking charge of the possession. It was a game of few chances, but the away side certainly deserved to book their spot in the semi-finals of the competition due to their superior quality in the final third.
Stoke's performance
The Potters just never really got going this evening. They had their moments with Jonathan Walters and Geoff Cameron both delivering dangerous crosses into the United box, but Peter Crouch found it difficult to oust the impressive Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans. In theory, the weather should have suited Stoke, but they are playing a different brand of football this season. While it will be a disappointment for boss Mark Hughes, the league was always the priority this season.
United's performance
It wasn't vintage United, but there were signs that the team are moving in the right direction. They had the only shot on target in an uneventful first period, but were much improved in the second 45 minutes. The major plus point would have been Young's thunderous strike, which should hand the England international confidence after a poor season. Boss David Moyes can also be pleased with his defence this evening - with Rafael, Smalling, Evans and Evra all enjoying impressive nights in difficult conditions.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Patrice Evra: The Frenchman has had his critics this season - and rightly so - but he was terrific this evening. The left-back scored United's second with a curling effort late on, but it was his defensive performance that gains him this award. The former Monaco defender was a tower of strength in the air.
Biggest gaffe
After losing Ryan Shawcross to injury in the second period, Stoke's defence looked incredibly nervy. That proved to be the case with United scoring their second minutes after the centre-back had been withdrawn. The lack of concentration from the Potters was extremely poor.
Referee performance
Mark Clattenburg's main decision in the first period was to stop the play following heavy hail, while he hardly featured in the second 45 minutes. In truth, it was not a difficult match to officiate with hardly any challenges of note. Overall, neither manager will have any complaints about his performance at the Britannia.
What next?
Stoke: The Potters will attempt to extend their three-match unbeaten run in the Premier League when they welcome Aston Villa on Saturday.
United: Moyes's side are also in league action on Saturday as the Premier League champions welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford.
Matt Law
