King Carlos sets Fergie a poser

SIR Alex Ferguson has admitted a brilliant performance from Carlos Tevez has provided him with a major selection headache.

Tevez has found his Manchester United appearances restricted since the arrival of record signing Dimitar Berbatov at Old Trafford.

But Blackburn Rovers felt the full force of Tevez’s frustration last night, the South American scoring at least three times — with a fourth still yet to be definitively credited to the Argentinan forward — in an amazing 5–3 win which saw the Red Devils into this season’s Carling Cup semi–finals.

And although the match’s opening goal looked as though it may have gone in off Rovers defender Aaron Mokoena, both manager and player were claiming it as a Tevez strike.

“Carlos’ commitment was absolutely brilliant,” said Ferguson.

“It was a marvellous effort to get four goals.

“It definitely makes my job more difficult, although it also makes the club stronger.”

Debate was still raging over Tevez’s first goal long after the final whistle.

Fortunately, the outcome of his far–post duel with Mokoena will not cost Tevez a hat–trick as he netted from the penalty spot just after the break and thrashed home another at the end.

In between, Tevez finished off the move of the match, started by Ryan Giggs’ majestic back–heel and involving a series of passes between Anderson and his fellow South American, who was presented with a tap–in.

Nani also got his name on the scoresheet even though United, just as they did against Hull a month ago, lost their concentration at 4–1.

They allowed their opponents to score twice, through Benni McCarthy’s second of the game and one from Matt Derbyshire, and were, at one stage, fearing an equaliser.



IN the other quarter-final, holders Tottenham came from behind to beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road.

Tamas Priskin put the Coca-Cola Championship outfit ahead, but goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko, who levelled from the penalty spot, and Darren Bent saw Spurs through.