Gibson fires United into last four

Darron Gibson was the unlikely hero as holders Manchester United clinched a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup thanks to a 2-0 win over Tottenham.

The 22-year-old midfielder scored both goals in a re-run of last season's final as Tottenham again finished second best.

Gibson, making a rare start, showed marvellous composure with both efforts in the 17th and 38th minutes to put United firmly in control.

Only 16 minutes were on the clock when Anderson cut in from the left flank and rolled a pass invitingly into Gibson's path 25 yards out.

The first-time shot was lethal, flying like an arrow in the top corner, giving Heurelho Gomes not a chance of keeping it out.

Gibson's second was another gem.

Park Ji-sung started the move, Berbatov took it on. Then Gibson got involved, playing a smart one-two with Danny Welbeck before curling another first-time shot into the opposite corner, Gomes comprehensively beaten once more.

There might have been 51 minutes to play but, effectively, the tie was over.

If David Bentley had been able to get the better of Tomasz Kuszczak from close range or steered a far-post header into the net, rather than hit the side of it, Spurs might have had the experience required to complete the comeback.

But they did not, and by the time Peter Crouch failed to find the target from inside the six-yard box in stoppage time, it was too late to matter anyway, sending Harry Redknapp back to the drawing board and allowing Sir Alex Ferguson to enjoy another emphatic success.