Arsenal’s highly-entertaining run in the Carling Cup is over.
They conceded a goal with barely 20 seconds on the clock when David Bellion profited from a slip by Johan Djourou to fire past Manuel Almunia. The visitors might have been further behind at the break but responded well after it. They pressed Manchester United into their own half for sustained periods but in truth never troubled goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Still in defeat there was honour for the youngsters: firstly by responding postively to such an early set-back, secondly by getting to the Quarter-Final at all. Remember a similar sort of side had beaten strong XIs from Manchester City and Everton in previous rounds.
Even with Almunia keeping goal, the average age of the Arsenal starting line-up was 19 as Arsene Wenger kept faith with the players who earned those earlier victories .
Manchester United fielded a handful of youngsters but were bolstered by experienced internationals including Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Phil Neville and Kleberson.
Old Trafford was a sell-out but, even at kick-off, thousands of seats remained vacant because of traffic congestion in and around Manchester.
Those still making their way to the ground missed one of the fastest goals in the competition's history as Arsenal made the worst possible start.
Djorou's slip let in Bellion and, although his low shot was straight at Almunia, the ball found its way into the net. Just 20 seconds had elapsed.
Arsenal were shellshocked and found themselves under intense pressure as Manchester United went for the kill in the early stages.
Justin Hoyte almost conceded a penalty after halting Kleberson's fine run with a trip. Instead, referee Mark Halsey awarded a free-kick just outside the box.
Bellion set up Chris Eagles after 13 minutes. Fortunately for Arsenal, Gael Clichy sprinted back to pressurise the Manchester United youngster and Eagles dragged his shot wide.
The visitors were struggling to get a foothold in the match but were almost gifted a chance after 26 minutes when Howard attempted to dribble the ball out of his area.
Robin van Persie closed down the Manchester United goalkeeper but Howard got away with his adventurous sortie.
At the other end, Almunia kept Arsenal within touching distance with a magnificent save, diving to his right to turn away Kieran Richardson's fierce shot.
Arturo Lupoli had been kept very quiet by Brown and O'Shea but won a free-kick five minutes before the break. Pennant took it, forcing a sprawling save from Howard.
Arsenal were better after the break. They sustained pressure for decent spells but the home side were still dangerous on the break.
Pennant had a free-kick charged down and Lupoli was blocked on the edge of the area as he attempted to charge into the area.
Surrounding those chances, Bellion’s pace brought the best out of Clichy and Eagles darted into the area but hacked his cross horribly wide.
With 15 minutes remaining, Van Persie tried to conjure up some magic but he was stopped as he tried to dribble through.
In the dying seconds he dropped his shoulder, cut inside and fired a low shot a few feet wide of the Howard’s left-hand post.
Arsenal go out, Manchester United march on but Wenger will take much from this season’s competition.
