Capital One Cup: Javier Hernandez steals the show as Manchester United beat Norwich

Javier Hernandez scored twice as Manchester United booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup with a 4-0 victory over Norwich at Old Trafford.

Hernandez, who stepped off the bench to secure the dramatic 3-2 win over Stoke at the weekend, broke the deadlock in the 20th minute from the penalty spot, sending Mark Bunn the wrong way after Leroy Foy was adjudged to have pulled down Adnan Januzaj.

And the Mexico international, named in the starting XI as one of nine changes made by manager David Moyes, headed home the second in the 54th minute from Alexander Buttner’s cross after Bunn had saved his initial effort.

Norwich saw Robert Snodgrass stretchered off in the second half following a clash of heads with Rafael, with the Scotland international needing lengthy treatment on the field from the medical staff of both clubs before being carried away.

Nathan Redmond also limped out of the action before Moyes saw his side complete their comfortable progress to the last eight courtesy of Phil Jones and substitute Fabio in the closing stages.

Snodgrass had been in the process of heading at goal when he was injured, one of few chances the much-changed Canaries created.

For the most part Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, back together in United’s defence for the first time since the derby thrashing by Manchester City in September, were untroubled.

Winger Wilfried Zaha made his first start since the Community Shield but it was Januzaj and Hernandez who stole the show.

Norwich’s Nathan Redmond sent a shot trailing wide after skipping into the United box, but the visitors were up against it soon afterwards as Hernandez sent goalkeeper Mark Bunn the wrong way from the penalty spot to open the scoring.

Hughton’s players complained loudly and at length over referee Kevin Friend’s decision to award a spot-kick for Fer’s challenge on Januzaj, but rarely showed as much energy in attack.

Lone striker Elmander did get some much-needed support as the visitors improved markedly at the start of the second half.

But the Swede could only flick Redmond’s cross into the advertising hoardings and three minutes later Hernandez forced in Alexander Buttner’s cross at the second attempt as the visitors’ revival proved short-lived.

A lengthy break in play following Snodgrass’s collision with Rafael robbed the game of rhythm, before United finished strongly to add further gloss to the scoreline.

After Jones had swept home a sweet volley, Fabio collected substitute Wayne Rooney’s chip forward and slipped home a near-post finish in the second of 11 minutes of injury time.

Norwich return to the north-west to play Manchester City on Saturday and, with five points separating them from the bottom of the Premier League table, may accept the end of the Cup run in exchange for three points at the weekend.

“Javier Hernandez is such a good character. I don’t think [his lack of first-team action this season] has fazed him at all.

“He is a really infectious character who loves to score goals,” said Manchester United assistant manger Steve Round

“He has waited patiently for his opportunities and when he gets them he has taken them.”

“We could have been better on the ball, but we were given a penalty against us which was incredibly soft,” said Norwich manager Chris Hughton.

“To have a penalty given against us, in that fashion, as soft as that, really gives Manchester United a lift and deflates you.

“But they scored good goals, they have got great quality and they are clinical in everything they do.”