KRIS Commons fired a spectacular winner for Derby County as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in tonight's Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Pride Park Stadium.

Commons struck from 25 yards out in the 30th minute to give the Rams a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday, January 20.

With new manager Nigel Clough watching from the director's box, the Rams hustled the reigning Premier League and European champions throughout and fully deserved their win.

Rob Hulse went close to scoring a second for the Rams in the closing stages, lifting the ball over the bar from close range after Commons' shot had been saved.

Andy Todd returned to the Rams starting line-up, playing alongside Lewin Nyatanga in the centre of defence, while midfielder Mile Sterjovski was also in the side selected by youth team coach David Lowe, who was in charge of the home side for tonight's game.

In the second half, United sent on Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick but could not turn the game around.

Commons said: "We’ll enjoy it this week, just to beat Manchester United and be able to say that to your kids and grandkids is going to be very special.”

United manager Alex Ferguson was relieved that the defeat wasn't heavier.

"The positive to take from the game is the fact we only lost 1-0," said Ferguson. "It was a fantastic result for us tonight considering the performance.”

Ferguson insisted he would not bring in his first-choice players for the second leg.

“No, no, I think we’ll persevere. The younger players deserve it – they were our better players tonight.”