Manchester United reached the League Cup final but were made to sweat as Hull City won the second leg of their last-four encounter 2-1 yesterday to come within one goal of forcing extra-time.

Hull’s Oumar Niasse scored in the 85th minute to reduce the aggregate deficit to 3-2, but there was to be no fairytale comeback for the Premier League relegation strugglers who were spirited in their efforts to overturn their 2-0 first-leg defeat.

Tom Huddlestone had put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes from the penalty spot, after a foul on Harry Maguire.

But they were unable to turn the screw and allowed a much-improved United to claw their way back into the match after the break when French midfielder Paul Pogba stabbed home an equaliser.

Niasse steered home a David Meyler cross from close range.

But Jose Mourinho’s side held on to set up a clash against Southampton in the final at Wembley on February 26 after the Saints upset Liverpool on Wednesday night at Anfield.