Harry Maguire (centre) is swamped by teammates after scoring a last-gasp winner in extra time.Credit:AP
The win extends United's unbeaten run in all competitions to 14 matches and secures a 30th appearance in the last four of the FA Cup for the club.
"It wasn't a spectacle,we didn’t threaten enough or create enough chances,"said Solskjaer.
"But I am delighted we are into the last four and it was a good workout,we got some minutes for a lot of players. We are through and that is what counts in the Cup,"said the Norwegian.
Solskjaer made eight changes from the team that beat Sheffield United 3-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday,with a number of squad players given a start.
After a low-key first half,United went ahead in the 51st minute when Juan Mata flicked on a cross from Luke Shaw and Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo did well to hook the falling ball home.
But Norwich stuck at their task and drew level through a sweetly struck long-range drive from Todd Cantwell,the winger drilling into the bottom corner from 25 yards out with 15 minutes remaining.
Solskjaer threw on Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic as United looked to avoid extra-time and the momentum shifted back to his side when Norwich defender Klose was sent off for pulling down Ighalo on the edge of the box in the 89th minute.