Manchester United – Crystal Palace

Join us from 19.45 GMT for live text commentary of Manchester United v Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1130/siralexfergusonanddougiefreedman20111130_275x155.jpg"><br> Glaswegian duo Sir Alex Ferguson and Dougie Freedman will do battle at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/990174/sir-alex-ferguson-turns-to-youth-against-crystal-palace?cc=5739" target="_blank">he will field a young team on Wednesday night</a>, with the likes of Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison expected to play a part.

Hello everyone, Mark Lomas here to take you through all of the action at Old Trafford. After being at Stamford Bridge last night, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a match with just as much needle and controversy. Though I'm not sure if the away side will be winning 2-0 tonight.

As always, I'd be keen to hear your thoughts on the game so please do share your musings with me on Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN the place to go</a>.

It's a very young team for United, with an average age of just under 24 by my reckoning. But still plenty of first-team experience in there with Rafael, Fabio, Evans, Smalling, Berbatov, Park and even Gibson all possesing plenty of United appearances between them.

There is of course history between United and tonight's visitors Crystal Palace - it was against the south Londoners that Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his first trophy with the Red Devils back in 1990. A goal from full-back Lee Martin gave United a 1-0 win in the FA Cup final replay, after the first match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1130/leemartinfacupfinal1990goal20111130_275x155.jpg"><br>Lee Martin lashes home Man Utd's winner against Crystal Palace in the 1990 FA Cup final replay

History lesson over and back to the present day - Palace boast a talented young squad, with forwards Wilfred Zaha and Sean Scannell the pick of their starters, while full-back Nathaniel Clyne has also been catching the eye in the Championship this season.

Comment on Twitter from @ChazAaronCamp: <i>"If United's midfield shows up to play, I've got a 3-1 (UTD) prediction."</i>

For all the goals updates and chat from tonight's Europa League games, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/990348/matchday-live---europa-league,-carling-cup?cc=5739" target="_blank">join Dec Warrington now.</a>

We're almost ready for kick-off now, but first there is a minute's silence in tribute to Gary Speed.

In fact, I lie - it's a minute's applause. I always think it is a much better way of paying tribute. "There's only one Gary Speed" is the chant going around Old Trafford. A nice touch from the United and Palace fans.

Berbatov and Diouf to get us under way.

And we're off...

Valencia down the wing early on and United immediately have a corner on the right.

Gibson delivers but it's headed clear.

Zaha breaks at pace - running all of 60 yards on his own, but as he gets to the edge of the box he fires a shot high and over.

Zaha again with an excellent series of touches in midfield to create some space. Looking impressive so far.

Positive run from Nathaniel Clyne down the right and Palace really showing no fear.

Gibson aims a long ball towards Diouf but the forward's touch is heavy.

Easter gets beyond Evans and looks to be through. But just as he's about to pull the trigger, Smalling gets a crucial foot in.

Fantastic opening, particularly from Palace.

Berbatov and Macheda exchange passes down the left as United look to calm things down a tad.

Macheda gets to the byline and crosses in with his left foot. Wright heads it out for a United corner.

The ball drops to Rafael about 25 yards out but his left-foot volley was optimistic and unsurprisingly goes wide.

Amazing - Palace fans have started the 'ole's' already, as their side control possession in midfield.

Scannell brings Palace forward and they're sniffing around the United penalty area

<i>Stat attack:</i> Palace have tasted victory in each of their last three League Cup quarter-finals against top-flight opposition.

Zaha again looking to accelerate away, but Smalling gets their first and delivers a hospital pass back to Amos, who does well to clear from a difficult angle.

Palace haven't scored in their last five games but I'm not sure how - looks to be plenty of attacking verve out there tonight.

United probing away now, with Park and Valencia looking for an opening. The South Korean found some space in the area but couldn't get the ball out from under his feet.

Rafael brings down Zaha a touch cynically in the centre-circle to concede a free-kick.

Another really poor back pass for Amos to deal with - this time from Evans. The goalkeeper again handles it well with a left-foot volley to clear.

Penalty shout for Palace, Zaha gets the wrong side of Fabio and looked to be pulled down.

But the referee shakes his head.

Looking at a replay, it was outside the box - was a clumsy challenge nonetheless.

Amos again given a poor pass to deal with, Rafael the latest culprit. The keeper was out quickly to hoof clear.

Zaha tripped by Fabio and Palace have a free-kick.

Not used particularly well by Palace though.

Lovely turn from Berbatov and he escapes Moxey with a drop of the shoulder.

Gibson shoots from distance and it's deflected out for a corner.

No problems for goalkeeper Price, though, as he collects the ball easily.

Great move from United, penetrating run from Valencia and he scoops a lobbed pass towards Berbatov. The Bulgarian shoots wide on the volley.

Scannell turns on the burners down the left and despite initially looking second best, Gibson makes a good sliding interception.

Zaha again with a positive run into the box, but his shot ended up in the stands again.

Lazy pass from Berbatov after Park had opened up some space.

Berbatov looks in some pain after being penalised himself for climbing all over McCarthy.

Possession stats show that both Palace and United have had 25% of the ball in the opposition third so far.

Moxey really has his hands full with Valencia - he's doing an admirable job so far but I fear for him in the second half.

Evans blocks Scannell's shot from just inside the box. Palace corner.

There was a wonderful piece of skill by Zaha at the start of the move, which saw him evade the clutches of Macheda.

Really hope Zaha doesn't go the same way as Victor Moses and move on from Palace too soon. He's 19 and looks a real prospect. Best player on the pitch by a distance thus far.

He's having a cracking battle with Fabio at the moment. The Brazilian just won the latest round, showing good physicality to keep the ball.

Rafael in plenty of space on the right after a defence-splitting pass from Valencia. The full-back drills in a cross, but it's too high for Macheda.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Fabio booked for a foul on Zaha, who else.

I seem to remember Fabio was red carded in a League Cup clash with Wolves last season - he'd better be careful with two thirds of this game still remaining.

Foul throw from Diouf deep in Palace territory. Just so appalling that a professional footballer can give away a foul throw. Rubbish.

Scannell looks in a bit of pain after being clattered by Valencia - a classic heavy shoulder barge from the Ecuadorian.

The physios are on and Scannell now getting some attention.

Dougie Freedman looking pretty concerned at the moment and it could well be the end of Scannell's evening.

The exact problem is not clear, looks to have a bit of soreness on his knee.

Macheda fouls Clyne and Palace have a right-wing free-kick.

Scannell back on - let's face it, he wants to play for as long as possible at Old Trafford.

Valencia gives the ball away cheaply to O'Keefe. He feeds Scannell who drags his right-foot shot wide from 25 yards out.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Fryers on for Fabio.

That was an injury-related sub - Fabio looked to have pulled his hamstring. I worry about what the Brazilian twins will be like in five years time - they seem to be rather injury prone already.

Fryers on his first overlap only succeeds in over-hitting a cross from the left.

I saw Fryers up close when United beat Aldershot in the last round - he looked really good going forward but some question marks over him defensively.

Diouf has been moved to the left, with Macheda now joining Berbatov up front. Must have been the foul throw.

Smalling almost pickpocketed by Easter but just got away with it after dwelling on the ball in the centre circle.

Sustained period of possession for United over the past few minutes - much more patience in the home team's approach.

Gibson looks long for Mahceda but Price is out quickly to collect.

Old Trafford looking embarrassingly empty tonight, I must say. Interested to hear what United claim the attendance to be.

Rafael with a superb double interception allows United to break.

Valencia crosses and Diouf does fantastically to engineer an acrobatic overhead kick. He couldn't keep it down though.

One of Rafael's two tackles was on Scannell and there was a heavy impact on the leg he hurt before. It's a real shame, but he's coming off now.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Parr on for Scannell.

Fryers with a teasing left-wing cross but Price claims the ball really well under pressure from Diouf and Valencia.

In the middle of that group rising for the ball was Moxey - he looks to have fallen painfully on his ankle as he hit the ground.

There goes the half-time whistle.

<b>HT: Man Utd 0-0 Crystal Palace. </b> Palace gave a really good acocunt of themselves, with Zaha the undoubted star of the show. But United began to dominate towards the end of the half, and losing Scannell will be a big blow for the visitors.

Remember, for all the goals updates and chat from tonight's Europa League games, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/990348/matchday-live---europa-league,-carling-cup?cc=5739" target="_blank">join Dec Warrington now.</a>

And if you want to have your say on the game on Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN is the place to vent your spleen</a>.

Comment from @LB_CityOfVan on Twitter: "<i>Why fergie isn't giving Pogba a run is absurd. Especially with United's centre midfield problems. Gibson is awful</i>"

I'd be inclined to agree with that, was looking forward to seeing some more of Pogba, who was pretty decent in the second-half against Aldershot. Quite surprised that Gibson is still a Manchester United player.

Comment on Twitter from @RaceAudio: "<i>United defense feeling a bit suicidal today with those back passes?!</i>"

Absolutely, there were three in the space of about five minutes - to Amos' credit he did really well getting them clear.

The big news in the Premier League tonight is that Sunderland have sacked Steve Bruce - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/990377/struggling-sunderland-sack-bruce?cc=5739" target="_blank">you can read the full story here.</a>

Massive lack of optimism from @kamalmatt on Twitter: "<i>No creativity in utd squad right now. And no anderson and cleverley, utd in deep trouble until christmas.</i>"

To be fair, it's a good point!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ravel Morrison on for Berbatov.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ambrose on for Moxey.

And we're off in the second half...

What an embarrassment for Berbatov. He did very little in the first half though.

Moxey's withdrawal for Palace down to that injury he picked up at the end of the first half.

An early touch for Morrison but he gives the ball away.

Diouf with a great reverse ball to Fryers, but he can't get a decent cross in.

Fryers gives the ball away to Zaha but United soon retrieve the ball.

Gibson picks out Fryers with a pinpoint crossfield pass. Finally, a decent moment from the United midfielder.

Super turn from Valencia as Unite pour forward. Gibson gets to the edge of the box and drags a poorly-struck left-foot effort wide.

Park with a direct run and Parr brings him down. Free-kick United on the right, about 25-30 yards out. Gibson to swing it in.

Good delivery but Evans jumps too early and the ball is out for a goal-kick.

Valencia misses a glorious chance. He took the ball off Gardner and accelerated clear but slotted his effort wide of the far left post.

A second look shows that it was an excellent save from Price.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1130/kagishodikgacoi,dimitarberbatov20111130_275x155.jpg"><br> Dimitar Berbatov: Withdrawn at half-time after a disappointing opening 45.

I must stress that I'm not actually sure whether Berbatov is injured or not. I hope for the sake of his career that he is.

Good strike from Morrison just outside the area, which stung the hands of Price.

United looking significantly brighter since the interval. Palace struggling to get hold of the ball.

United's possession 75% to Palace's 25% so far in the second half. It tells a true story.

Clyne with a good challenge on Diouf but then subsequently gives the ball back to a red shirt.

Ambrose looks towards Easter, but the attempted pass is well beyond his team-mate.

Great run from Rafael, but his cross can't find Diouf or Macheda.

<i>Stat attack: Palace have averaged a goal a game on their travels this season, winning four of their nine away matches.</i>

Shot from Morrison, who found space on the inside-right of the box. Really smart save from Price with his feet.

Gibson has looked much better since half-time. I know I've given him plenty of stick but he's at least showing some desire to drop off and take responsibility for bringing the ball forward from defence.

United starting to find more gaps now.

Macheda the latest to strike goalwards, a good turn to get away from McCarthy but his left-foot shot is high and wide.

Macheda has scored just once in his last 17 games.

Rafael looks to have an injury problem now. Seriosuly, these Brazilian twins need to take some vitamin supplements.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Pogba on for Rafael.

Pogba's first touch is to win a header in midfield.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ambrose with a screamer.

<b>Man Utd 0-1 Crystal Palace</b>. What. A. Goal. All of 30 yards out, he smashes it into the top left-hand corner. Palace fans jubilant.

Wow, what a shock that is. Now we'll see what United's youngsters are made of.

Pogba with his own fiercely-struck shot from distance, tipped over by Price.

That was Ambrose's third goal in the competition this season.

Penalty for United, Macheda puleld back by McCarthy.

Macheda steps up...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Macheda

<b>Man Utd 1-1 Crystal Palace</b>. Coolly slotted by Macheda, bottom left-hand corner with Price sent the wrong way.

So the lead lasted just three minutes. The right decision by the referee - a silly tug of the shirt by McCarthy.

We should be in for an enjoyable final 20 minutes now. Finely poised at the moment. Extra-time and penalties may await.

Parr accelerates away from Park down the left-wing but his cross goes all the way through to the far side. Good break from the left-back.

Palace pushing now, Zaha finally seeing the ball again.

Parr once more getting into a crossing position and it went towards the danger zone. Well held by Amos.

Palace about to make their last change.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Murray on for Easter.

Murray missed a pen at the weekend, can he give himself the ultimate confidence boost by scoring the winner at Old Trafford?

Good football in midfield from Palace, keeping the ball well.

Curse of the commentator: Dikgacoi gives it away.

Palace still looking much more positive again now.

Diouf creates space on the left of the box. He cuts in and skies his effort into row Z.

Zaha runs at Smalling but the centre-back stands his ground.

<i>Stat attack: The last time Palace met United in the League Cup, goals from Richardson and Saha gave the Red Devils a 2-0 win in 2004. </i>

Valencia unsurprisingly looking like United's major threat at the moment.

Macheda won the ball for United on the edge of the Palace area but Diouf was standing in the way and offside. Diouf tonight = unimpressive.

Valencia drives towards the Palace penalty area but McCarthy gets a toe in as Morrison looked to latch onto the ball.

Smalling miscontrols the ball and Palace in a stong position. The deep cross finds Ambrose but he can't direct his header goalwards.

Valencia crosses to Macheda, who takes an excellent first touch but can't get a strike away with his second. Surrounded by yellow shirts.

Palace corner now, their second in as many minutes.

Amos came to punch but ended up on the floor. Fortunately for him, United were able to clear. He was nowhere near the ball there.

Zaha speeds away, going alone at the moment.

He finds Ambrose, who in turn finds Dikgacoi. Smalling gets a vital foot in.

Ambrose tries another from distance (who can blame him) but it hits Smalling.

It's been all Palace for the last five minutes or so.

Parr does well to handle Park - the Palace defender has been superb in the second half.

<i>Stat attack: Palace goalscorer Darren Ambrose has netted in six of his last nine games in cup competitions. </i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1130/darrenambrosecelebvmufc20111130_275x155.jpg"><br> Darren Ambrose celebrates his wonder strike.

Morrison emerges into some space on the edge of the box but drags his shot wide. He's certainly not the first player to do that tonight.

Palace still holding firm and looking for a winner themselves.

I thought Murray had just scored as the net rippled. But it was the side netting after a shot from an acute angle on the right-edge of the box.

Palace corner now and it's the Londoners who have looked most like scoring.

Great header by Evans, who then feeds Morrison with a great ball hugging the left-wing. Clyne sprints back and covers well. The young right-back has been good tonight.

Palace on the break, Zaha goes alone again but shoots straight into Amos' grateful grasp.

There's the full-time whistle. It's extra-time at Old Trafford.

<b>Man Utd 1-1 Palace</b>. Macheda's penalty equalised Ambrose's scorching strike and we're heading into extra-time. Both sides have made all their subs.

Nearly ready for the off for the next 30 minutes.

And Chris Foy blows for the start of extra-time...

It's just occurred to me that Park has been playing right-back since Rafael went off. He's done okay.

Park shoots wide after cutting in onto his left-foot. I'll let you guess what he did with the shot. That's right, dragged.

Fryers combines with Pogba, who sends the ball to the other wing. Loose pass from Macheda and the move breaks down.

Park and Valencia interchange on the right.

Gibson gets hold of the ball and strikes a great left-foot effort. Deflected away for a corner.

Diouf and Pogba seem to get in each other's way and any potential danger is avoided for Palace.

Palace fans in full voice - the home supporters have not been too loud tonight.

Valencia wins a corner after his shot hits McCarthy.

Again Palace able to stand their ground.

Zaha wins a free-kick after fooling Park with another delightful piece of skill.

Ambrose to swing it in from the left.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Murray

<b>Man Utd 1-2 Palace. </b>Murray stoops to head in Ambrose's teasing cross.

Perhaps a hint of offside but the quality of the delivery certainly deserved a goal.

United corner now. Pogba to take.

Gibson strikes it well on the volley from 20 yards out but it's the wrong side of the post.

Macheda misses a golden chance.

Okay, golden may be over-exaggerating but it was a good chance. He got in behind McCarthy but poked the ball well wide and didn't even test Price from about 12 yards out.

Ambrose strikes it from 35 yards and it's another unbelievable shot. Really good save from Amos to prevent it from going into the top corner.

Park crosses from the right, McCarthy heads clear.

Park again with space on the right, Palace defending resolutely.

Dikgacoi tries an effort from the lafway line after Amos' clearance reached him. But the United keeper made it back in time.

Untied buliding possesion patiently at the moment.

Palace continuing to frustrate the reigning Premier League champions.

Pogba shoots miles over the bar from 18 yards out.

<b>Half-time in extra-time: Man Utd 1-2 Crystal Palace. </b>

As things stand, United heading out of the Carling Cup at the same stage as last year.

Second half of extra-time begins.

An early cross from Smalling but Price has it in his hands.

Murray with a hopeful effort that curls comfortably over the bar.

Evans concedes the free-kick in the centre-circle, with Murray showing great strength against the United centre-back.

The last time United lost a home tie in the Carling Cup was against Coventry in 2007. The Red Devils have won eight in a row since then.

United really lacking any sort of spark in attack. Valencia has been the one looking most likely to provide it, but he must be getting pretty knackered now.

Gibson trips Murray - so cynical from the midfielder.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Gibson. Fully justified.

Smalling and Valencia combine to good effect down the right for United.

United still patient - Smalling plays in Park but McCarthy clears it away. He has played a crucial role for Palace.

You can feel the frustration setting in among the United fans. It's anxious stuff at Old Trafford.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1130/glennmurraygoalvcpfc20111130_275x155.jpg"><br> Glenn Murray's goal is the difference between the sides at present.

Zaha challenged by Evans and United look to drive forward again.

United trying desperately to get through Palace's stern defence but having absolutely no luck. Wonderful stuff from Palace's backline.

United have been passing it around the same 20-yard square outside the box for most of extra-time, unable to penetrate.

Evans with an important tackle to stop Zaha running clean through. The youngster is suffering with cramp but is still a threat.

Diouf heads goalwards - superb block from Gardner near the line.

Gibson shoots from distcance. Deflected out for a throw-in.

Valencia crosses. Cleared again.

Into the last minute. I can't see United getting through this Palace rearguard.

One last chance for Valencia. Again it falls to a yellow shirt.

It's all over!

<b>Man Utd 1-2 Crystal Palace. </b> What a stunningly brave performance from Palace, heroic defence and they just kept swatting away United's attacks. Time and time again. Substitute Murray was the match-winner but McCarthy and Zaha the stars - the former for his resolute display at the back and the latter for some special skills and relentless danger.

The semi-finalist are Cardiff, Liverpool, Man City and Crystal Palace, so to rub salt into United's wounds it leaves their two biggest rivals as likely winners of the Carling Cup.

I don't know how Palace will be able to return to league action this weekend - they left everything out on the pitch and Dougie Freedman's side must be shattered.

Keep an eye out on site for the semi-final draw coming up and feel free to share your thoughts on the game with us on Twitter. @marklomasESPN and @ESPNsoccernet are the places to go. Thanks for joining us folks.