United 3 Wolves 2

Sir Alex's men, Carling Cup holders and undefeated at home in the competition since September 2007, began confidently and, given the hodgepodge nature of the team selection, cohesively. Amos was making only his second senior appearance in goal, the back four had never played together, Bebe was also involved from the first whistle for the first time, while Gabriel Obertan took up an unfamiliar advanced role, just behind Federico Macheda.

Darron Gibson was the first United player to take aim at goal, but his curling shot deflected out for a corner. There were then shouts for a penalty on 12 minutes when Obertan's shot nicked off an arm on the way through to Hennessey but referee Lee Mason's refusal was immediate and adamant.

Summer signing Bebe started brightly and helped carve out a chance for Macheda on 19 minutes. The Portuguese bravely put his body on the line in a challenge with George Elokobi before reaching the loose ball first and crossing low into the penalty area. Macheda controlled the ball and shot through a crowd of players but his effort was straight at Wayne Hennessey.

Hennessey's opposing number, Ben Amos, endured a brief scare at the other end when a deep cross eluded the young goalkeeper. Wes Brown, captain for the night, was positioned well, though, and nodded the ball out for a corner.