Manchester United humbled by second division Southend

LONDON, Nov 8 (Reuters) Holders Manchester United were dumped out of the English League Cup when they lost 1-0 at second division bottom side Southend United in the fourth round.

Celebrations for Alex Ferguson's 20 years in charge of the Premier League leaders were quickly forgotten when Southend's leading scorer Freddy Eastwood, tracked by several top flight clubs, curled in a 30-metre free kick on 27 minutes.

Ferguson rested some players but still picked a strong side including striker Wayne Rooney and winger Cristiano Ronaldo. A weakened United team suffered a scare against third division Crewe in the third round.

United had chances to equalise with midfielder David Jones hitting a post straight after Eastwood's goal and Ronaldo forcing Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan into three superb saves.

REUTERS DH BST0416