Former Manchester United youngster Anthony Pilkington scored a 60th-minute header as Norwich City shocked the Red Devils at Carrow Road this evening.

Early on Robin van Persie forced John Ruddy into a save from 25 yards before Anthony Pilkington fired just wide from a swift Norwich counter-attack.

In a lively opening 10 minutes Van Persie once again had a chance, this time skying Ryan Giggs's cutback.

United continued to have more of the ball but it was Norwich who were creating the better openings, with striker Grant Holt twice just missing close-range crosses.

The visitors came close to taking the lead just before the break when Ashley Young smashed a loose ball goalwards and Ruddy was alive to palm it out.

Van Persie again called Ruddy into action early on in the second half before the Canaries took the lead on the hour mark.

Wes Hoolahan fed Javier Garrido down the left and the Spaniard sent over a cross for Anthony Pilkington, who floated his header into the corner.

Sir Alex Ferguson brought on Paul Scholes and Danny Welbeck in the hope of changing the game and the latter almost drew United level but his header just drifted wide.

Ruddy continued to deny United late on while down the other end, Jonny Howson missed a golden opportunity to extend the hosts' advantage.

In the dying moments Sebastien Bassong almost diverted into his own net but Ruddy was once again there to make a flying save.

Victory for Norwich sees them rise to 13th, while United remain second, a point behind their Manchester rivals City.