Edinson Cavani curler against Everton sends Manchester United into Carabao Cup semi-final

Two late strikes from Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial gave Manchester United a 2-0 win over Everton to book their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Despite making nine changes United stormed out of the blocks, helped by some early Christmas presents from the Toffees' defence.

They should have been ahead with Mason Greenwood hitting the post and Cavani and Donny Van De Beek going close.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were sloppy in possession and lethargic in the early stages but improved as the half wore on with Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick forcing Dean Henderson into a fine save.

The Toffees were dealt a blow early in the second half when Richarlison was forced off after being sandwiched between Bruno Fernandes and Eric Bailly when challenging for a header.

The second half was a tetchy and disjointed affair but Cavani, who was lucky to escape a card after a coming together with Yerry Mina, stole the show with a stunning curling shot from the edge of the box.

And substitute Anthony Martial, who set up the opener, netted from a counter attack with the last kick of the game to seal victory.

The Uruguay striker got involved with Mina in the second half and appeared to grab hold of the Colombian for a prolonged period before shoving him to the ground. It was not a WWE-style chokeslam but Cavani appeared to touch his throat. Referee Andy Madley did not take any action - where is VAR when you need it?

At 33 years old he is showing no signs of slowing down after another vital late goal for United. He began the game brightly, faded in the second half but relied on his class in a clutch moment with a world class finish in the 88th minute.

EVERTON: Olsen 5, Coleman 5, Godfrey 6, Keane 7, Mina 8, Doucoure 6, Gomes 5, Sigurdsson 5, Iwobi 7, Richarlison 5, Calvert-Lewin 6. Subs: Bernard n/a, Davies n/a, Tosun n/a.

MAN UTD: Henderson 7, Tuanzebe 6, Bailly 6, Maguire 7, Telles 7, Matic 6, Pogba 5, Van De Beek 5, Fernandes 6, Greenwood 6, Cavani 8. Subs: Rashford n/a, Martial n/a, Shaw n/a.

24' - CLOSE! The impressive Telles' pinpoint cross finds Greenwood whose header shaves the post.

37' - GREAT SAVE! Free-kick to Everton around 30 yards out, fairly central, Sigurdsson territory. The playmaker steps up and its brilliantly pushed away by Henderson.

89' - GOAL FOR UNITED! Martial tees up Cavani who curls his shot into the bottom corner. World class finish.

90'+6 - GOAL FOR UNITED! From a counter attack, Martial kills off the game and slips the ball past the keeper.

Manchester United have won 13 consecutive away matches against English top-flight opponents, the longest run in the club's history.