Tevez downs Rovers

3rd December 2008

Carlos Tevez seized his opportunity to fire Manchester United to victory against Blackburn and reach the Carling Cup semi-finals.

Tevez hit three goals - after also claiming United's opener in the 36th minute, which seemed to have gone in off Aaron Mokoena - to remind manager Sir Ferguson of his hunger and undoubted ability.

Four minutes after Tevez's opener, Nani continued the goal-fest with a powerful finish to a solo run that involved receiving Tevez's cushioned return pass. Not for the first, or the last time, Robinson was well beaten.

However, three minutes after the re-start Backburn had hope as substitute Benni McCarthy shrugged aside Gary Neville and belted home after a previously non-existent Roque Santa Cruz had flicked on Robinson's goal-kick.

However, almost immediately Martin Olsson bundled over Tevez and the Argentine slotted home the penalty to put United in control, before virtually sealing the win with another fine goal after good work from Anderson.

Matt Derbyshire scored late on then, as United switched off in alarming fashion, just as they did against Hull last month, Olsson hit a post before McCarthy reduced the arrears to just one in stoppage time. But Tevez was not going to be denied and lashed home another with the final kick to send United through.