Manchester United have beaten Stoke City 2-0 in their League Cup tie at the Britannia Stadium.

Ashley Young had the first chance of the evening, when he hammered a powerful strike into the side-netting from a tight angle.

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The visitors threatened again through Anderson, but his effort was comfortably saved by Thomas Sorensen.

In the 29th minute, the match was suspended due to a hail storm, but after a 10-minute delay play resumed.

United had a great chance to take the lead on the stroke of half time, but Jonny Evans could not connect with a flicked-on corner at the back post.

In the 62nd minute, United took the lead, as Young fired a powerful effort from outside the box that flew into the top corner.

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Jonathan Walters wasted a great chance to draw the hosts level, but he turned a cross from Erik Pieters wide of the post.

With 12 minutes left to play, United doubled their lead, as Patrice Evra picked up the ball on the edge of the box before curling a strike into the top corner.

United nearly made it three when Antonio Valencia fired a low ball into the middle that Javier Hernandez couldn't force into the net, but they held on to reach the semi-finals.