UNITED made a steady rather than spectacular start to their defence of the Manchester Senior Cup against the Shakers at a rain-sodden Gigg Lane yesterday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's youngsters always looked capable of getting their cup campaign off to a winning start, but the Shakers pushed them every inch of the way.

The Reds moved into the lead in the 16th minute when Magnus Eikrem beat Bury keeper Cameron Belford with a beautifully struck free-kick.

United sealed the group stage points in the 65th minute, with a slick finish from Tom Cleverley (pictured) after good work by full-back Richard Eckersley.

BURY: Belford, Haslam, Edmonson-Rouse, Thompson, Cresswell, Baker (Rothwell 71), Anane, Racchi (Steele 77), Mason, Hurst (Kenyon 77), Dorney.

UNITED: Foster, R Da Silva (R Brown 46), Gray, Eckersley, Chester, Stewart (Curran 78), Eikrem (Brandao 69), Hewson, Welbeck, Cleverley, Derbyshire.



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