Rashford runs the show in Carabao Cup to set up semi-final with Man City

Marcus Rahsford celebrates scoring against Colchester in the Carabao Cup [Courtesy]

Manchester United are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a 3-0 victory over League Two Colchester.

The Red Devils struggled to break down the Football League side for much of the first half at Old Trafford but unleashed their quality in the second half.

Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the 51st minute as he latched onto a counter-attacking through ball from Nemanja Matic.

Ryan Jackson put through his own goal five minutes later under pressure from Rashford, following a tantalising cross from Mason Greenwood.

Any hopes Colchester had of their first-ever Carabao Cup semi-final ended when Martial slid in a Rashford centre.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he is relishing the prospect of a derby match in the Carabao Cup semi-final as his side drew bitter rivals Manchester City.

United only recently beat City, with the Red Devils winning 2-1 on December 8, and speaking to MUTV Solskjaer said that result will give his team confidence.

"We take what comes our way," he said. "We have a good memory from last time we met them.

"They're the best team in England and we're confident going into the semi-final.

"We played well against them but there's things we need to improve on. It will be two fantastic nights in Manchester."

The two teams met in the same stage of the competition in 2010, with Wayne Rooney's dramatic late header sealing an aggregate 4-3 win for United, and Red Devils fans will no doubt be dreaming of a similar outcome over the Christmas period.