Solskjaer makes his return

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was handed his first Manchester United start since May 2004 as Manchester United began their latest FA Cup quest at non-league Burton.

Solskjaer has been forced to have to separate knee operations since he last began a game for the Red Devils against Chelsea over 18 months ago, but Sir Alex Ferguson handed the Norwegian his reward with an emotional return to first-team duty at the Pirelli Stadium.

As expected, Ferguson placed most of his trust in United’s youngsters with Gerard Pique, Richie Jones and Giuseppe Rossi in the starting line-up, although Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were on the bench.

United were overwhelming favourites to advance at the expense of Nigel Clough’s Conference outfit, although they did almost come unstuck against Exeter last year, eventually needing a replay to beat the Grecians.