Tevez strikes four as United book semi-final spot

Awesome display
By Chris,
December 14 2008

Manchester United booked their ticket to the semi-finals of the League Cup following a stunning 5-3 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford. 53,997 watched on as Carlos Tevez bagged an incredible four goals – though a late Rovers comeback nearly steered this topsy-turvy Cup-tie into extra-time. Nani also hit the net for United.

United were the better side for long periods of the first-half with Tevez breaking the deadlock on 36 minutes before setting-up Nani for the second only four minutes later.

However, Paul Ince's Blackburn struck back three minutes after half-time. Benni McCarthy came off the bench to out-battle Gary Neville and prod the ball beyond Ben Foster.

United responded superbly - and Tevez restored the two-goal advantage just minutes later from the penalty spot. The Argentinean was brought down by Martin Olsson before dusting himself off and converting from twelve yards.

The South American completed a magnificent hat-trick, his first for United, just moments later. Ryan Giggs' pin-point long-ball found Anderson, who squared for Tevez who made no mistake from only yards out.

At 4-1, United took their foot off the gas before a late Blackburn rally threatened to take the tie into extra-time. McCarthy found Matt Derbyshire on 84 minutes, with the players switching roles six minutes later as McCarthy completed his brace with a close-range strike.

However, as Blackburn pushed forward for the most unlikely of equalisers - United sealed the win as Tevez bagged his fourth with another brilliant effort. He hammered home a superb finish from the edge of the box before Alan Wiley brought a thoroughly entertaining ninety minutes to an end.

The scoreline certainly flattered Blackburn. Paul Ince's men were outplayed for the majority of this Cup-tie and look, at the moment, like potential relegation fodder.

Roll on the semi-finals.

Full Time - Manchester United 5-3 Blackburn Rovers
Attendance - 53,997