London  - Carlos Tevez scored four goals as Manchester United survived a late scare to beat Blackburn Rovers 5-3 on Wednesday night for a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

The Argentine also set up Nani for his side's other goal, and though Blackburn pulled back two late goals, United held on for a place in the last four.

Tottenham Hotspur joined them in the semi-finals after they came from behind to win 2-1 at Watford.

It took United more than half an hour to break Blackburn down at Old Trafford, but once they did the result was not in doubt, in spite of some late drama.

Tevez, out of favour in the Premier League of late, produced a virtuoso all-round performance.

The Argentine set United on their way nine minutes before half- time when he was on hand to turn in a Ryan Giggs corner, though there was some doubt as to who got the final touch.

Tevez was awarded the goal and four minutes later, he turned provider to set up Nani to make it 2-0 at the break.

Benni McCarthy came off the substitutes' bench to give Blackburn hope when he pulled one back three minutes into the second half.

But Tevez converted a penalty three minutes later, and put the seal on a superb all-round display with the fourth three minutes after that.

Matt Derbyshire scored what seemed a mere consolation six minutes from time, but McCarthy pounced on a defensive mistake to make it 4-3 going into injury time.

But United survived the scare and Tevez rocketed in his fourth in the dying seconds to make it 5-3 and put his side into the last four.

Tottenham fell behind to a neat turn and shot from Tamas Priskin after 13 minutes at Vicarage Road.

But the Premier League side slowly came into the match and Roman Pavlyuchenko, who had earlier hit the bar, converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time to pull Spurs level.

Darren Bent scored the winner 14 minutes from time with a fierce near post shot to send Spurs through alongside Burnley, who beat Arsenal, and Derby County, both of them winning advancing on Tuesday night. (dpa)