Odion Ighalo continued his record of scoring in every start for Manchester United and was instrumental in Harry Maguire’s winning goal in added time which saw the Red Devils overcome a stubborn Norwich to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Ighalo’s goals for the Red Devils have all come in Cup competitions and the striker was at it again at Carrow Road with the opener for United in the 50th-minute after a goalless first half.
The Nigerian showed supreme predatory instinct to stab home after Norwich had failed to deal with Luke Shaw’s cross into the box.
It was his fifth strike in four starts for United fro whom he has made eleven appearances in all competitions and adds to goals against Club Brugge, Derby County and LASK.
Todd Cantwell equalised for Norwich in the 75th-minute with a long-range strike that Sergio Romero could have done better with.
The goal compelled Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer to throw on his big guns as Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic replaced Fred and Scot McTominay who had started in a much-changed United line up.
Timm Klose saw red in the 89th-minute for hauling down Ighalo on the edge of the area but Bruno Fernandes could only shoot the resultant free-kick into the wall.
Ighalo was proving a handful for the Norwich backline and only a last-ditch block by Ben Godfrey prevented the former Watford striker from sealing victory in added time.
Tim Kruul then pulled a superb double save moments from the final whistle, saving Pogba’s fierce strike with his leg before diving to his right to push away Greenwood’s deflected strike to end the game into extra time.
The goalkeeper was impressive for the hosts clawing out Maguire’s goalbound header and beating away Fernandes’ dipping shot in the second half of extra time as United piled on the pressure.
Despite his heroics, Kruul was eventually beaten two minutes from time with the spectre of penalties looming.
Pogba’s ball into the box bounced off Ighalo and Martial before finding its way to Maguire who reacted beautifully to stab home and keep United’s hopes of a 13th FA Cup trophy alive.
