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Kris Commons’ fierce strike gave Derby County a shock win in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against a lethargic Manchester United side.

In front of new boss Nigel Clough, who takes charge on Thursday, Derby made a bright start and took the lead when Commons fired home after 30 minutes.

The closest United came to an equaliser was a second-half Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick that flew inches wide.

But Rob Hulse missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 when he fired over late on.

It was a humbling night for the Premier League, European and club world champions, who were deservedly beaten by a Derby side that has won only one of their last nine league games.

Following the departure of caretaker manager Chris Hutchings this week, academy boss David Lowe was in charge of the Rams for the first, and only, time.