Manchester United Blitz Blackburn as Tevez Scores Four

Manchester United made 10 changes from the side that beat Manchester City 1-0 at the weekend, but they weren't really troubled by a bedraggled Blackburn Rovers until the closing stages of the match.

Carlos Tevez bundled home a free kick as he tussled for possession with Aaron Mokoena and put United ahead in the 36th. Four minutes later, Nani played a one-two with Tevez before slotting under goalkeeper Paul Robinson. So we can add one assist to Tevez's four goals. Not surprising really as Tevez was his usual powerhouse with non stop hard work throughout the game.

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy took just three minutes to make an impact after coming off the bench at half time. Roque Santa Cruz flicked on Robinson's deep goal kick, and after outmanoeuvring makeshift centre back Gary Neville, McCarthy fired past Ben Foster. Tevez quickly restored United's two-goal lead in the 51st and made it 4-1 three minutes later.

Blackburn threatened a late comeback when Matt Derbyshire slotted under Foster in the 84th and McCarthy scored a second in the second minute of injury time.

Tevez further pushed his claims to a regular first-team place by finishing off Rovers before the final whistle when latching onto Anderson's lofted ball forward.

Another major boost for United was the return of midfielder Paul Scholes in the 66th for the first time since damaging knee ligaments in September.

Tevez said of his performance: "I was looking forward to this game and since I have not been playing often and it was a good night and I'm happy with my performance," Tevez said through Brazil midfielder Rodrigo Possebon, who was translating. I'm very proud to score four goals for the first time in my career and to do it in a United shirt." This match will set up a semi final with either Spurs, who knocked Watford out 1-0, Burnley, victors over Arsenal having already beaten Chelsea, or Derby County who got rid of Stoke City.

More Manchester United News