Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat by Championship side Derby County in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Pride Park on Wednesday.

Kris Commons fired the only goal with half an hour gone and Derby could have taken a two-goal advantage to Old Trafford for the second leg in two weeks’ time had Rob Hulse not wasted a glorious late chance.

United manager Alex Ferguson fielded an under-strength side but introduced Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo late on with the latter almost equalising with a trademark free kick that brushed the post.

Derby were relegated from the top flight last season with a record low points total and are languishing in 18th place in the Championship. United host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend.