Manchester United were forced to battle from behind before snatching a slender 2-1 victory against Latics reserves in the Manchester Senior Cup.

Latics shocked the Reds, whose side included Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Anderson, by having the temerity to take the lead through Joe Jacobson early in the second half at Stalybridge in front of a crowd of 1,101.

The Reds hit back with goals from Nicholas Ajose and Frederico Macheda to edge a contest which Latics more than matched opponents with more than £40million of talent on display.

A piece of history was created at the start of the second half when Reece Brown came on to partner elder brother Wes, the first time the pair had played together for United.

There was an explosive start to the second period in which Latics stunned their more illustrious opponents by having the audacity to take the lead.

The goal came two minutes after the restart when Andy Crompton did well to create an opening from which he forced keeper Conor Devlin to make a good save with his legs.

Crompton took the resulting corner from which left-back Jacobson found the net with a powerful header.

The joy was short-lived as United were on level terms when left winger Ajose's angled shot eluded the defence ass it crept into the far corner of the net.

United started to crank up the tempo in the final quarter of the game.

Brazilian Anderson forced Latics keeper Josh Ollerenshaw (pictured) to make a super save to keep out his long-range exocet.

United went ahead for the first time in the 76th minute through another fabulous long-range effort, this time from Frederico Macheda.

They might have added a third goal had Ollerenshaw not managed to tip over an effort from Reece Brown.

Full-time: Latics res 1, Man Utd res 2.