Tevez scores four as United reach semis

(CNN) -- Manchester United stormed into the Carling Cup semifinals in style as Carlos Tevez helped himself to four goals in a thrilling 5-3 victory over Blackburn at Old Trafford.

Argentine striker Tevez was credited with the first goal nine minutes before the break, although Blackburn's South African midfielder Aaron Mokoena was close to turning the ball into his own net from Ryan Giggs' lofted free-kick.

Portuguese winger Nani added a second four minutes later, skipping past defender Andre Ooijer, exchanging passes with Tevez and then sweeping a shot past goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

South African forward Benni McCarthy pulled one back within two minutes of coming on as a half-time substitute, bullying veteran defender Gary Neville off the ball before firing home.

But Tevez made it 3-1 just three minutes later, picking himself up to score from the spot after he had been fouled in the area by Ooijer.

Tevez completed his first hat-trick in English football with a superb 54th minute goal. Anderson picked the ball up in midfield, fed Giggs, who returned the pass with a back-heel, then swapped passes with Tevez before squaring the ball for the Argentine to slot the ball home.

There was still time for more drama, with three goals in the final seven minutes. Matt Derbyshire pulled another back for Blackburn in the 83rd minute and McCarthy clipped in Derbyshire's cross in added time to make it 4-3 before Tevez smashed home a fifth for United with virtually the last kick of an enthralling match.

Holders Tottenham are also through to the last four, but they were made to battle all the way by Championship side Watford, coming back from a goal behind to secure a 2-1 away victory.

Harry Redknapp has been Tottenham manager for less than six weeks, but is already just one tie from Wembley, courtesy of a Roman Pavlyuchenko penalty and a late Darren Bent winner.

Watford, led by new manager Brendan Rodgers, took a 13th minute lead when Jon Harley stole the the ball off Aaron Lennon and raced forward.

The ball was worked to Tommy Smith, whose cross found Tamas Priskin with his back to goal -- but the Hungary striker turned Jermaine Jenas and fired into the bottom corner for his third of the season.

Pavlyuchenko took advantage of a mix-up in the home defense as Tottenham fought back, but his shot crashed off the crossbar.

However, the Russian striker made no mistake from the spot on the stroke of half-time after Jenas was fouled in the area.

Both sides had chances to win it in the second-half, but it was Tottenham who found the decisive goal when substitute Bent finished at the near-post after the ball rebounded to him.